The sweet potato market is growing rapidly. At the request of Pro-Plum Orchards (producer of among other items, organic apples and stone fruit) OTC Organics B.V. conducted a market research on organic sweet potatoes. OTC Organics (distributor of organic fruit and vegetables) concluded that the demand was high and due to their successful partnership they decided to exclusively work together on this project. Pro-Plum Orchards chose to cultivate the Beauregard variety: a very popular sweet potato which is favored for its taste and deep-orange flesh that keeps well in storage. In week 29 OTC Organics expects the first organic sweet potatoes in the Netherlands for further distribution to Europe and Canada. Never before OTC Organics had South African sweet potatoes in its assortment and they are really looking forward to it.
Pro-Plum Orchards
Located in the pollution free Waterberg area in the Limpopo province of South Africa lies Pro-Plum Orchards, a proud producer of certified organic fruits and vegetables. Pro-Plum Orchards has been certified organic for more than 15 years, and Global GAP certified for longer. The farm has been passed on generation to generation and is currently managed by the 4th generation of the Roos family since the establishment of the farm. Pro-Plum Orchards form an integral part of OrganoGroup, a group of companies dedicated to produce organic products grown in a sustainable manner. OrganoGroup is focused on making certified organic products available both locally in South Africa, but also to the export market. OrganoGroup provides a full package of organic products, from fertilizers and inputs to the final fruit or vegetable.
Long-term and stable cooperation
Paul Roos Jr, Key Account Manager at Pro-Plum Orchards says: “Pro-Plum Orchards and OTC Organics has been working together on certified organic plums and other stone fruit for more than 9 years. This year we will supply OTC Organics with certified organic sweet potatoes, the first sweet potato season with OTC Organics of many to come. In past years Pro-Plum Orchards did produce and export sweet potatoes for the conventional market but decided to convert the entire business to certified organic- including sweet potatoes. For us, it is about the organic mindset and ensuring safe produce to clients- having full focus on building sustainable supply of certified organic products.”
Cornelis Ernst, Purchase Manager at OTC Organics says: “The organic sweet potatoes from Pro-Plum Orchards are exclusively distributed by OTC Organics, and that is a real honor. We complement each other's strengths in the market and we are very proud to work with these professional producers. This year we are starting with limited volumes, but the expectation is that we will receive more production next year. Interested buyers can order already and it is also possible to place an order for 2020.”
For more information:
OTC Organics B.V.
Eskimolaan 11
8252 AS Dronten, The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0) 885 880 400
Email: sales@otcorganics.com
www.otcorganics.com