The new kiwiberry season has just begun. The French exporter Primland markets the product under the Nergi brand. Jean-Baptiste Pinel, Executive Director: "Production and demand are increasing every year. Next to the conventional product, there are customers who ask for the organic variant. We are still limited in amounts. For us, organic kiwiberry is really a range to develop."
Nergi is still a relatively new thing in the European market. For this reason, Primland accompanies the increase in production with substantial marketing efforts. "In order to bring it to the consumer’s attention, we have developed animations in French and German stores, where the animators hold tastings and explain the product. Consumer feedback is very positive."
The Nergi harvest started at the end of August with the estimated quantities. "In total, we will sell 4 million small trays. To meet the demands of different customers, we have recently increased the range of products. We offer trays of 125, 170g and 200g grams, and shakers of 125 grams. This differentiation works very well."
Since Primland started growing kiwiberries, the company exports them to Asia. "This year, we sold a few pallets to Hong Kong and Malaysia. We have also started selling to France, Germany, England, Scandinavia, and Canada."
According to Jean-Baptiste, one must have a lot of rigor to cultivate the Nergi. "But the product is not difficult to grow. The plant adapts well to the climate of Northern Spain, Northern Portugal, Northern Italy and the south of France. The Primland Nergi are grown in Portugal, Italy, and France.
Competition is increasing. "Obviously there are competitors who are trying to develop this product too. Nergi have good organoleptic and nutritional characteristics, and are convenient to eat. This is exactly what the consumer is looking for."
For more information: 
Primland
+33 (0)5 58 90 09 95
olivier.pouilhes@primland.fr
www.primland.fr