At last week's Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong Prim'land and Fruits-Union announced an alliance between the companies. Fruits-Union represents almost 60 growers in the Rhône Valley, covering 500 hectares, the company specialises in stone fruit and also kiwi and apples. Prim'land specialises mainly in kiwi fruit with 750 hectares and also has vegetables and apples, they represent 350 growers.
Vincent Faugier from Fruits-Union explained, "This is a new way of working, Primland is a major company it is also better way of working. Until now we have done some kiwifruit but mostly stone fruit. The French market is good at the moment but we aim to double production and so need to open new markets."
The company will have joint management for kiwi collection for the South-East of France. By forming this alliance the two companies hope to utilise the increased packhouse availability, Jean Baptist Pinel from Prim'land says the packhouse situated in the Rhône Valley will mean that growers are closer to the packing facilities and also to the customers which will reduce the company's carbon foot print and reduce the logistics involved.
A 10-member Strategic Committee will be formed by management from each entity to conduct a stone fruit and kiwi fruit planting development programme among the producers from Lorifruit and SCAAP Kiwifruit.
The alliance aims to double production areas within 15 years and is calling for further partnerships in the future.
"We want to develop the sales of stone fruit especially into markets such as Eastern Europe and Russia, this is a win-win situation," according to Jean Baptiste Pinel. "We are very happy to be able to make this announcement here in Hong Kong."
For more information:
Jean Baptist Pinel
Prim'land
Tel: +33 55 89 00 995
Vincent Faugier
Fruits-Union
Tel: +33 47 56 15 505