"We expect lower kaki yields and larger calibres"

The severe heat recorded during the spring and early summer has caused more fruit to fall from the trees, so kaki yields are expected to be lower this year. At the same time, however, young plantations are also becoming productive, and this should result in slightly greater volumes compared to the previous season.

"Since there are fewer fruits per tree, and due to the abundant rainfall of November last year and February this year, the trees have gained strength, so we expect a good kaki quality and larger calibres," explains Daniel Vidal, of the commercial department of Exquisite Fruits. "For this campaign, we expect the production to reach about 11,000 tonnes; a slightly higher figure than in the previous season.

Compared to other fruits, kakis continue to be a relatively new and unknown product, although this has not been an obstacle to many Spanish growers who have decided to bet strongly on their cultivation.

"I believe that the supply has grown a lot in Spain, maybe too much, and prices already reflected that last season. We will likely see that again this year; however, we are optimistic about the future, as demand is also on the rise. An example of this is Germany, the main export destination for Spanish kakis, which has gone from consuming 17,000 tonnes in 2012 to 41,000 tonnes in 2016," points out Daniel Vidal.

The Valencian company grew significantly in terms of volume during the previous campaign and opened new strategic markets, like Indonesia. "We have consolidated in the United Arab Emirates and increased sales in Canada, but the most noteworthy move was the opening of the Indonesian market, where kakis are traditionally consumed and where our Rojo Brillante variety is appreciated. Since the Russian veto was introduced, we have followed the strategy of opening up distant markets that could replace a destination as important as Russia. At the moment, these markets already account for 12% of our sales."

While the cultivation of Rojo Brillante kakis is beginning to spread in several areas of the world, such as South Africa or South America, and even in neighbouring countries, like Portugal or Italy, Spanish kaki exporters do not feel the impact of foreign competition at the moment.

Exquisite is still developing its Style brand for kakis, with new packaging formats introduced every year with the goal of meeting the demands of its customers. "Every year, we are asked for some new packaging formats, so that consumers can perceive an added value in the product, and we see that the trend, depending on the market, is moving towards small packages."

For more information:
Daniel Vidal
Exquisite Fruits,S.L.
Plaza del Prado, 21
46701 GANDÍA, Valencia. Spain
T: +34 960 653 909
M: +34 675 549 164
daniel@exquisitefruits.com
www.exquisitefruits.com