Japanese fruit is sought after by consumers because the Japanese fruit brands are strong. The import volume of Japanese fruit continues to grow every year. Many Japanese fruit traders brought their fruit products for display during the recent Asia Fruit Logistica exhibition in Hong Kong. Jim Ng of Bubble Gum International Ltd. introduced two hot new products.
Fresh strawberries
Strawberries are extremely popular in Asia. Consumers are not just interested in fresh strawberries. There is a large variety of processed strawberry products on the market. Bubble Gum International mainly imports the Akihime, Benihoppe, Suzuakane, and Yotsuboshi strawberry varieties from Japan. The harvest seasons are different for each variety. The retail season begins every year in November and continues until August in the subsequent year. "Our sales volume has been stable this year in comparison with the same period last year. We act as an agent for Japanese strawberries. We sold around 40 tons last year. We currently sell our imported strawberries mainly in Hong Kong (and in the larger Hong Kong area) as well as in Southeast Asian countries. Strawberries imported from Japan are considered high-end market products. They are generally sold in luxurious and delicate packaging. The current retail price of strawberries is around 180-220 HKD [22.95-28.05 USD] per box of 12. There are many Chinese companies that import strawberries. The competition is fierce. However, consumers will always consider the product quality of the strawberries in their choice for one brand or another," explained Jim. "The storage and distribution of strawberries is not easy. We generally use EMS and Yamato refrigerated transport methods to guarantee that our strawberries stay fresh. The journey from production area to destination generally takes 2-3 days."
Frozen blueberries
In addition to strawberries, Bubble Gum International also manages the sales of frozen blueberries. "We keep the frozen blueberries at a temperature of -1 degree Celsius, but this has no effect on the nutritional value of the blueberries. The flavor of frozen blueberries is close to the flavor of ice cream. The frozen blueberries can be kept for a long time. We sell our frozen blueberries in boxes of 1 kg and cups of 180 gr. The blueberry production volume in Japan is not nearly as large as the blueberry production volume in the Americas, but the blueberries are carefully selected and the product quality is exquisite. Consumers in Hong Kong are quite fond of Japanese blueberries," stated Jim.
Bubble Gum International represents a number of Japanese import products including blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes, as well as jams, juices, dried fruit, and blueberry wine. The company spokesperson, Jim Ng, participated in the Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong together with Japanese suppliers. The exhibition took place on September 4-6, 2019. "This exhibition is very beneficial for our business. We have received many inquiries from visitors of the exhibition. The next goal for our company is to expand the supply volume of top-quality fruit to high-grade supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels in Hong Kong."
For more information:
Jim Ng
Bubble Gum International Ltd.
E-mail: jimng@bubblegum.com.hk
Tel.: （852）94878162