Fresh Clinton melons on an Armenian plantation
Cultivation & transport
The group has its own plantation close to the Ararat Mountains, where it is estimated that around 17,000 tons will be harvested. Due to the fertile, water-rich soil and the many hours of sunshine in the summer, all the right conditions are there to produce a high-quality product. It is certainly true that the Armenian products have a very high Brix value and they taste very sweet. But optically as well, it is a unique, exclusive fruit with a light green shell and bright red pulp. The weight of the fruits is usually between 9 and 13 kilograms.
Furthermore, the melons are harvested only once a year and they are usually marketed until the end of August-beginning of September. Since the goods have to survive a transport of about 9 to 10 days, the proper cooling technology is an important prerequisite to ensure irresistible freshness and durability. In cooperation with the Mira Trans subsidiary, the goods are continuously cooled (at some 5 degrees). The melons are transported in cardboard boxes totaling about 600 kg (maximum of 20 tons per truck) and are then transported via Georgia to Western Europe. Exceeding the maximum weight is not allowed because of rigid border controls.
Cultivation & transport
The group has its own plantation close to the Ararat Mountains, where it is estimated that around 17,000 tons will be harvested. Due to the fertile, water-rich soil and the many hours of sunshine in the summer, all the right conditions are there to produce a high-quality product. It is certainly true that the Armenian products have a very high Brix value and they taste very sweet. But optically as well, it is a unique, exclusive fruit with a light green shell and bright red pulp. The weight of the fruits is usually between 9 and 13 kilograms.
Furthermore, the melons are harvested only once a year and they are usually marketed until the end of August-beginning of September. Since the goods have to survive a transport of about 9 to 10 days, the proper cooling technology is an important prerequisite to ensure irresistible freshness and durability. In cooperation with the Mira Trans subsidiary, the goods are continuously cooled (at some 5 degrees). The melons are transported in cardboard boxes totaling about 600 kg (maximum of 20 tons per truck) and are then transported via Georgia to Western Europe. Exceeding the maximum weight is not allowed because of rigid border controls.
The products have a light green skin and bright red pulp
Price-performance
In order to guarantee continuous quality, the correct corresponding tests are particularly important. Therefore, the goods are first checked by Armenian health authorities on site and after being transported they are checked by the German Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE).
In terms of price, Clinton melons from Armenia are in the same segment as products from southern European production areas, according to Stefan Matvienko, businessman of the company in Germany. “As a company, we have very strong customs tariffs in the EU and are also independent of the stock exchange. In addition to this, in 2016 and 2017, we have studied prices in the EU and we have made sure we will be able to compete price-wise with products from Italy and Greece.”
Price-performance
In order to guarantee continuous quality, the correct corresponding tests are particularly important. Therefore, the goods are first checked by Armenian health authorities on site and after being transported they are checked by the German Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE).
In terms of price, Clinton melons from Armenia are in the same segment as products from southern European production areas, according to Stefan Matvienko, businessman of the company in Germany. “As a company, we have very strong customs tariffs in the EU and are also independent of the stock exchange. In addition to this, in 2016 and 2017, we have studied prices in the EU and we have made sure we will be able to compete price-wise with products from Italy and Greece.”
Agricultural developments
The LLC Edelweiss Group is a modern and efficient group of companies, headquartered in Armenia, fully specialized in exporting domestic products. After many years of successful export to Russia, this year's focus will be on Western Europe as well. Apart from Germany and Austria, shipping to France, Belgium and Holland is also provided. In addition to watermelons, the LLC Edelweiss Group also considered marketing herbs in Western Europe.
Matvienko: "Due to the customs changes between the EU and Armenia starting in 2018, and due to strong agricultural developments in Armenia, we as a group of companies see great potential in Western Europe. We also have good relations with the Armenian embassy in Berlin at the moment and are considering the possibility of founding a separate wholesale company in Germany (or in another location) in the future.”
For more information:
Qeri street 55/22, 0028 Eriwan
Tel: (00374) 99 889 883
Partner in Germany:
Stefan Matvienko
Tel: (0049) 171 560 35 82
E-Mail: edelweissgroup.germany@gmail.com