The diospyros kaki (also known as Japanese persimmon, kaki persimmon or Asian persimmon in North America) season has started at Wilko Fruit, "The harvest is expected to be 10% larger than last year. The dimensions are good, in general they are slightly smaller than last year. With a brix level of 17 the persimmons are very sweet and they also have a nice color. Luckily they do not rot within two days."
"Demand for persimmons is growing each year. This week we are done with the peach and nectarine season and the persimmons are a refreshing substitute for the 'boring' assortment of apples, grapes and overseas oranges," says Wilko. "Last year we started selling the persimmons separately and that was very successful. Many supermarkets had to get used to it because they were used to a flow-pack with four persimmons each, but there was no turnover in that system. Now 80% of our sales are done separately, and it has resulted in significantly higher revenue," says the importer.
Wilko Fruit's persimmons come from Huelva and Valencia, Spain, where many citrus producers have also started growing persimmons in recent years, "They know how to extend the season to make it last longer. There is a shortage now but at the end of October it usually bursts open. Then they continue harvesting in December, January and even into February. After the 'Rojo Brillante' persimmon season we usually switch over to the sharon fruit. Although we already have the sharon fruit available, and it will continue to be available until the end of January/beginning of February."
Left: 6 or 8 kaki's in pitufo box
Right: 6 x 750 grams
Wilko Fruit has different packaging options for the persimmons, including: the traditional 4.5 kilo cardboard Gaudias package, the 10x1 kg package, the new 6 x 750 gram package, the 3-set package (360-380 grams) and the mini-package. "In short, there is something for everyone," says Wilko.
Left: 6 or 8 kaki's in pitufo box
Right: 6 x 750 grams
Wilko Fruit has different packaging options for the persimmons, including: the traditional 4.5 kilo cardboard Gaudias package, the 10x1 kg package, the new 6 x 750 gram package, the 3-set package (360-380 grams) and the mini-package. "In short, there is something for everyone," says Wilko.
For more information:
Wilko van der Zwaard
Wilkofruit b.v
IABC 5212
4814 RA Breda
Tel: +31 76 5244460
wilko@wilkofruit.com
www.wilkofruit.com