In 2012, Simba imported around 55,000 tons of pineapple from Costa Rica, 25% of which under the "F.lli Orsero" brand. In 2013, there seems a 10-15% increase, for a total volume that will surpass 60,000 tons.
As the company managers mentions: "Thanks to advertising, communication and trade marketing, and of course to the good quality of the product, the part under the F.lli Orsero brand registered an increase and should reach 30,000 tons."
The main sales markets are countries that overlook the Mediterranean basin - Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Portugal - as well as Benelux and Germany. There is also the chance of developing Scandinavian countries.
"MD2 is the most commercialised variety on European markets by far. Therefore, other varieties have only a small share of the market."
Production and demand
Pineapple production during the first 5 months of the year was definitely slower than the same period last year.
"This drop in volume depends on bad weather, which affected exported volumes, as well as on a rationalisation strategy, according to which those plantations that are less productive are gradually abandoned and/or destined to other crops."
"During the first part of the year, there were no major changes in demand despite the crisis that is affecting many of our main markets. Quite the opposite actually, as we have noticed that consumers tend to prefer high quality products. This is good for our project, through which we try to guarantee the highest quality standards to both traders and final consumers."
Perfect logistics
Refrigerated "Cala Rossi" ships, owned by GF Group, enable fruit to arrive on its destination markets only 14 days after leaving Costa Rica.
"The temperature of the ships is controlled down to one tenth of a degree. Disembarkation is quick thanks to our advanced technology and therefore the cold chain is maintained in every phase."
"These are all fundamental aspects in order to maintain the organoleptic characteristics and the quality of pineapples, which are harvested when they're perfectly ripe and with the right sugar level and transported in a controlled temperature environment (7°C). They arrive at the Reefer Terminal in Vado Ligure, in Lisbon (Portugal) and in Tarragona (Spain)."
The logistics are perfect for pineapples. "As this type of fruit perishes quickly and it is produced more than 10,000 kilometres away, we must take the utmost care not only when harvesting, but also during the whole logistics chain."
Contacts:
Simba S.p.a.
Email: [email protected]
