The final Kanzi apples are currently being supplied from the Netherlands. CEO Henry Müller of GKE looks back on a good season, but does not have to wait long for the new harvest from New Zealand, South Africa and, to a lesser extent, Chile. “The southern hemisphere’s season is slowly starting, and, fortunately, those volumes are increasing. We can therefore supply Kanzi apples to our customers in summer as well. That is incredibly important, because it is very easy to lose customers.”
Increasingly longer period
“We are looking back on a good Kanzi season. The purchases of Kanzi are showing a rising line, which shows this apple is being more and more appreciated. The new marketing expressions which we introduced this year have also been positively received by our customers,” says Müller. “Our apples are being sold in more and more supermarkets, and for longer periods as well, because larger supplies are available.”
Within Europe, Germany is by far the largest Kanzi market, followed by the Benelux, the UK, Scandinavia and Southern European countries such as Italy and Spain. “Especially Spain and Italy are examples of countries where, traditionally, only sweet apples are consumed. That is why I am so proud that we are becoming more successful with Kanzi there.”
“The same is true of Asia, which might not be as big a market as Europe or the Middle East, but they do have much potential for growth. That is why we are present annually on the Asia Fruit Logistica, and why we have tested whether the Kanzi promotion also appeals to other cultures,” Müller continues.
Last year GKE introduced the Migo pear. When asked whether this pear will become as successful as the Kanzi, Müller answers: “I can only dream of that. Customers are very enthusiastic about this pear, but we are not introducing it rashly. Last year we only had small volumes available, in the coming season we will have volume available for two programmes with retailers for two to five months.”
GKE NV
Tongersesteenweg 152
B 3800 Sint Truiden
Tel: +32 (0) 11 67 06 11
henry.muller@gkefruit.com