The Greek company Zeus Kiwi, devoted to the production and distribution of kiwifruit (as well as grapes and plums), has identified four new green varieties which, according to General Manager Christina Manosis, “Have been selected for their superior taste, and which will be trialled in orchards this year. After two-three years, depending on performance, some volumes will be marketed.”
She explains that the firm expects to achieve good results with the varieties, which have been developed by a university in Italy with funding from Zeus Kiwi and two other exporting companies from Italy. “If we are successful, we will also have the license for its cultivation and distribution, which will be controlled by a club.”
The new varieties are described as early varieties; they are harvested one month before the Hayward and are part of a plan to expand the marketing period of kiwifruit. “They will allow us to extend the campaign by 1 to 2 months, depending on the harvest period, which should be around early September,” affirms Ms Manosis. “They are also characterised by their long shelf life, as well as good flesh, shape and colour.”
The new varieties are described as early varieties; they are harvested one month before the Hayward and are part of a plan to expand the marketing period of kiwifruit. “They will allow us to extend the campaign by 1 to 2 months, depending on the harvest period, which should be around early September,” affirms Ms Manosis. “They are also characterised by their long shelf life, as well as good flesh, shape and colour.”
The main target markets that these new green varieties will be tested on are the UK and the United States (with the latter being a very good market for Zeus). Ms Manosis explains that “We also want to find some new gold kiwis, which are very interesting to the Asian market.”
In global terms, the current market situation is good. Ms Manosis assures that “We actually have very good overseas sales, especially in China and the U.S. The European market is quite stable and we expect better sales programmes after Fruit Logistica. We are currently trying to access more delivery ports in China and expand the brand in even more regions.”
By the end of this season, the company expects to have shipped a total of 25 containers to China and another 20-25 to the U.S.; a similar figure to last year. As for prices, “They are about 10-15% higher, despite the fact that volumes have increased. We are also not affected by the Russian ban and have faced no logistical problems, so all in all it is a good year for us.”
Regarding the future of the kiwifruit business, Ms Manosis believes that the key lies “In the introduction of new varieties with the characteristics needed to penetrate new markets and with more profitable margins. This is our target: to be a step ahead of the competition, and that’s where our resources are being invested,” she concludes.
For more information:
Christina Manossis
Zeus Kiwi
Greece
Tel. +30 2351 053559
Dir. Line +30 2351 045395
Fax. +30 2351 053901
Skype Christina.manossis
christinam@zeuskiwi.gr
www.zeuskiwi.gr
Christina Manossis
Zeus Kiwi
Greece
Tel. +30 2351 053559
Dir. Line +30 2351 045395
Fax. +30 2351 053901
Skype Christina.manossis
christinam@zeuskiwi.gr
www.zeuskiwi.gr