The South African organic stone fruit season is fast approaching its end for OTC Holland. “Before the holidays, we flew in additional peaches, nectarines, nectarcots and apricots, because they are not very suitable for seaborne freight. In the coming weeks we will continue with red and yellow plums. Up till now, we have had a good season, with decent average prices and a steady flow,” says commercial manager Fred Kloen.
Permanent supplier Pro Plum Orchards is the only cultivator in South Africa which cultivates organic stone fruit. The family company with 65 hectares of organic stone fruit is located in the Limpopo Highlands. To guarantee continuity, the complete stone fruit production takes place under hail netting. The majority of the volume of South African stone fruit does not arrive in Europe, but is sold on the Canadian retail market through OTC Canada, OTC Holland’s subsidiary.
Grapes
The organic grape season from South Africa is in full swing. “Unfortunately, the harvest started a bit later this year, which is why the boat grapes missed the Christmas sales, and we had to fly in additional volumes in order to serve our customers. The organic grape cultivation is no sinecure. Many means are not allowed in the organic cultivation, and when something goes wrong during seaborne freight, as regards temperature or humidity, it is a large risk. That is why only few players offer organic grapes. I think we are one of the largest players within Europe,” Kloen continues.
The price of organic grapes is currently about 30 to 35 per cent higher than that of conventional product. “But there are also periods when prices are nearly the same. Traditionally, the prices of conventional grapes might drop mid-January, our expectation is that prices for organic grapes will remain at a good level due to a good balance between supply and sales. As yet, sales are going very well,” Kloen says. “Germany and Scandinavia are our largest sales markets, but our domestic market is also becoming increasingly important.”
“Furthermore, since December we have plenty of mangoes (Kent) from Peru available, which we buy directly from the producer. Besides bulk, we can also offer the mangoes packaged and ready-to-eat. The Peruvian season lasts until March, and will be followed by West Africa. Our objective is to be on the market year-round, with a focus on quality and flavour. We hope to stay out of the price war of mediocre to bad batches which are offered below cost price on the (free) market by having focused programmes with retailers and wholesalers,” Kloen explains.
Pineapples
Last but not least, the importer currently has plenty of supply of organic pineapple from Ivory Coast, from their own cultivation. “After a small slump in December, prices and sales are by now balanced again, and we therefore have good expectations for the first quarter.”
For more information:
Fred Kloen
OTC Holland
Mob: +31 (0)6 10 891 521
fred@otcholland.com
www.otcholland.com