The Dutch company, Origin Fruit Direct, have received the first South African Kiwi Golds. "We work with farmers in the north of South Africa. They started five years ago, planting more than 75 hectares of kiwis. At the moment, available volumes are still limited. However, we expect the plantations to come into full production over the next two years. We will then be able to offer a good supply," says Origin Fruit Direct's Randolf Aaldijk.
"In South Africa, in recent years, they have specifically been looking to diversify their fruit supply. Kiwis are a great example of this. I see great potential in South African kiwi cultivation. The season falls perfectly between the European and New Zealand rush," continues Randolf. Origin Fruit Direct gets the kiwis in 3 and 5kg packs,
"Last year, we carefully started offering yellow kiwis. We brought the first shipment in by plane. This year, we are getting a few containers. And next year, the volumes will be even larger."
"This variety's potential in the coming years is at around a million boxes. This amounts to about 200 containers. The season is also very short; five to six weeks. We want to bring these kiwis to our clients' attention this year. Then next year, we can start the programs in time," explains Randolf.
"We have something unique with these South African yellow kiwis. I do not yet see them being sold anywhere else in Europe. There is also enough interest from the wholesale channels. We are, however, not under the illusion that these kiwis will only be sent to Europe.
"The markets in the Middle and the Far East will certainly also be interested. However, in Europe, these yellow kiwis offer good opportunities. Especially in a time when there are hardly any yellow kiwis on the market," Randolf concludes.
For more information:
Randolf Aaldijk
Origin Fruit Direct
Tel: +31 (0) 882 449 305
randolf@originfruitdirect.nl
www.originfruitdirect.nl