Kiwi berries don't deal well with cold. "Producers irrigated and placed fire baskets in the plantations, but this didn't work for some. Hopefully we will get better weather next season. In normal conditions we expect a production of 150 tonnes." Hoogstraten will supply to all customers despite the lower production. "We have been working with set partners for years and everyone likes starting with the kiwi berries again. Of course the season will end earlier now, but that makes it even more special. I expect to be able to supply until the end of September." The kiwi berries aren't auctioned. "We supply through mediation and make set agreement on the prices. They are quite stable."
New packaging
As of last year the kiwi berries at Hoogstraten are no longer sorted by hand, but using an optical sorting machine. "Kiwi berries can be sorted by size and firmness and there are three possible size sortings." New this year is the packaging. There are still customers who want snack packaging or shakers. Besides this they can now also choose a punnet with a lid, just like with our other 'berries'. You can see the interest in various berries increase and these products also get a special spot in the supermarket. The popularity is increasing and we want to position the kiwi berries in the berry segment. Good combinations can also be made with other varieties. The colour of the kiwi berry really pops!"
New packaging
As of last year the kiwi berries at Hoogstraten are no longer sorted by hand, but using an optical sorting machine. "Kiwi berries can be sorted by size and firmness and there are three possible size sortings." New this year is the packaging. There are still customers who want snack packaging or shakers. Besides this they can now also choose a punnet with a lid, just like with our other 'berries'. You can see the interest in various berries increase and these products also get a special spot in the supermarket. The popularity is increasing and we want to position the kiwi berries in the berry segment. Good combinations can also be made with other varieties. The colour of the kiwi berry really pops!"
She indicates that Cooperation Hoogstraten believes in the kiwi berry. "We sometimes see an increasing production in various countries such as Portugal. Our growers are therefore careful when it comes to expansion. But the enthusiasm for kiwi berries among consumers is growing and we are aiding it. This is why a promotion tour was planned through Flanders to remind the Belgian consumer that there are kiwi berries in the country again. It's a great product, easy to eat and of course very healthy!"
For more information:
Natalie Snijers
Coöperatie Hoogstraten cv
+32 3 3400211
Loenhoutseweg 59
2320 Hoogstraten - Belgium
info@hoogstraten.eu
www.hoogstraten.eu