Over the course of this week, Lema is expecting the first organically grown Soreli kiwis from Greece. "Our Sorelias come from a small project, about 70 km west of Thessaloniki," says Peter Abma of Lema. “From next week we will have 60 tonnes of Soreli available for a period of approximately four weeks. Due to the high brix, the kiwi is not easy to store in cold stores. That is why the full volume must be sold in four weeks."
The Soreli variety has been on the market since 2008. As of 2012 the variety is also available from Greece. “The cultivation of Soreli in Greece is still a small project, but we want to expand this every year. In Greece the climate is perfect for cultivation. This cultivation is going well, but there are of course also challenges. It is important for Soreli that it is harvested at the right time, so with the right pressure and the right brix. That way we can guarantee the consumer a full flavour.” Although the yellow Soreli is normally also a large kiwi, this is not the case in the Greek climate. "Approximately 70% of the fruit that is harvested is size 46, 42 or 39. However, we do not see this as a disadvantage because the size is not important to our customers."
Lema Boutique
For Peter, it does not matter that the storage period is short. “It is difficult for retailers to line up a product for a short time. This is easier for wholesalers, companies with subscriptions and home deliveries. We offer our product in the "Lema Boutique" on our website. In that section, customers can read about that special product that we offer for a specific, often short, period. This also includes our Greek Soleri kiwis. "
For more information:
Peter Abma
Lema 
T: +31 639 456 050
E: peter@lema-organic.nl
www.lema-organic.nl