The countdown to the kiwi berry season has started, as this year’s harvest of the Hortgem kiwi berry, a ready-to-eat snack from New Zealand, will kick off in late February.
Freshmax NZ Ltd is the exclusive holder of the New Zealand master kiwi berry license, granted by Plant & Food Research. Freshmax Export Manager Tracey Burns comments that due to the warm temperatures and dry weather, New Zealand’s summer crop estimates are extremely favorable. There are prospects for fruit with high brix levels and an excellent flavor profile. We should also see an earlier start to the season this year, which is beneficial for our key export markets.” In this regard, she affirms that Freshmax continues to focus on the wider Asian market, with increased interest from China, Singapore and Taiwan, together with an expansion into the Australian marketplace.
Freshmax NZ Ltd is the exclusive holder of the New Zealand master kiwi berry license, granted by Plant & Food Research. Freshmax Export Manager Tracey Burns comments that due to the warm temperatures and dry weather, New Zealand’s summer crop estimates are extremely favorable. There are prospects for fruit with high brix levels and an excellent flavor profile. We should also see an earlier start to the season this year, which is beneficial for our key export markets.” In this regard, she affirms that Freshmax continues to focus on the wider Asian market, with increased interest from China, Singapore and Taiwan, together with an expansion into the Australian marketplace.
As far as production volumes are concerned, Burns explains that current crop estimates show an increase in output for this season. This is partially due to the age of the vines, but also as a result of intense field trials which Freshmax has conducted to both manage the kiwi berry vines and to produce more consistent crops each season.
She states that kiwi berries are highly appreciated in these international markets, where consumers love the whole kiwi berry experience and look forward to seeing them on the shelves each season. Due to the small size, thin skin and sweet taste, kiwi berries are delightful when eaten whole just like a berry.
She also assures that demand for kiwi berries is increasing across the globe. “Kiwi berries are still in their infancy with regard to both trade and consumer recognition and understanding. Freshmax has implemented a marketing program over the past three years, educating our customer base and consumers on the benefits of kiwi berries and explaining when the fruit is in season. Our marketing efforts this season will continue along this theme.”
Furthermore, Freshmax is consistently investing in grower programs to build a solid supply program. Freshmax wants to take advantage of the fact that “kiwi berries have a strong shelf life and excellent storage qualities, ensuring they arrive in export markets in peak quality,” she concludes.
For more information:
Tracey Burns or Carol McLean
Freshmax (New Zealand)
tel: +64 9 573 8517
+64 9 573 8517 mob: +64 21 984 803
+64 21 984 803 email: cmclean@freshmax.co.nz;tburns@freshmax.co.nz
www.freshmax.co.nz