In order to continue their own brand recognition, Polish importer Quiza decided that the best way to move forward is to become more innovative and get ahead of their competitors by creating new products and searching for new markets.
"I think that through innovations we are able to create new products and new markets. We have decided to focus on trying to find and offer new products which currently have limited supplies or are not established at the moment." shared Bartosz Szatkowski from Quiza.
Baby bananas big hit
As a part of this push to promote new banana categories, the company has invented its own brand baby bananas, which proved to be an immediate hit with customers.
"We are receiving a large interest and an appeal from the market to begin deliveries of baby bananas. Positive product recognition from Polish retailers proves that Central European grocery markets are looking for innovations. Not only traditional fruits and vegetables are popular. Customers are looking for new products, everyday." explained Bartosz Szatkowski.
The introduction of the baby bananas, was a group effort and was launched together with key retailers in Poland. Initially QUIZA wants to establish regular import programs with baby bananas because they see a real future in the product.
The main target group for baby bananas is the younger generation. Each cluster is sold, pre packed, in 250gr bags, which makes it the perfect size for school lunch boxes.
"With the popularity of healthy lifestyle trends and safer consumer goods, this really is the perfect product. The little banana fits perfectly into what the modern consumer is looking for and with its colourful graphics on the bags, is very appealing to children. It's a product that makes you smile and the little bananitos are recognized as something positive in our fast everyday life." stated Bartosz Szatkowski.
Niche products offer great opportunity
Mr. Szatkowski said he believes that finding alternatives is a very important initiative from a marketing standpoint. Even though conventional bananas are still 99% of turnover in the industry, the unique products are becoming stronger in terms of marketing value. The company said that they are full of optimism that the constantly changing market, provides the opportunity to become innovative with bananas.
Alongside baby bananas, Quiza is the first company in Poland to offer certified own brand organic bananas, with the first deliveries being sent out to Europe this week, including Poland, where it was well received by Polish retailers. The biggest retail chains in Central Europe are interested in organic product development. Quiza sees its future in this product segment.
The company also plans to introduce red bananas this year, along with establishing regular plantain deliveries to Poland.
"Although I am aware that the plantain will not be easy to distribute in the beginning, because of it being an exotic product that not many here are familiar with, I do see a future for it as a niche product," continued Bartosz Szatkowski.
"I perceive niche products as a great opportunity to promote brand and product recognition. Today’s Central and Eastern European consumers spend more time and money on extensive shopping. Polish consumers are becoming more educated about the products, with increasing interest for innovation in the kitchen. Our cuisine is changing and consumers are being flooded with both domestic and international cooking TV series, so there has been more demand for new exotic dishes. Consumers are on the lookout for new products." concluded Bartosz Szatkowski.
For
more information:Bartosz Szatkowski
Quiza
Tel: +48 58 629 66 00
Fax: +48 58 629 68 30
Email: bart@quiza.pl
www.quiza.pl