So far, the market hasn't had access to consolidated flat nectarine varieties, which has resulted in very few people even knowing about the existence of this stone fruit species. One of the main problems that have prevented flat nectarines from being marketable is the lack of a perfect pistilar closing, as this leaves a door open to microorganisms and drastically reduces the fruit's shelf life,” says Ángel Vallin, of Agro Selections Fruits (ASF).
For the last 14 years, ASF has been working on the development of a range of flat nectarine varieties, trying to find a solution to this problem and focusing on the fruit's flavor. It also created the Ondine brand for its marketing, which will debut this season.
“It is the first fully closed and tasty flat nectarine. The interest in this product on the part of large retail chains is overwhelming. It is a product that meets all the parameters of the Finger Food or Gourmet Snacking segment, since in addition to being healthy and delicious, it is very easy to eat. Unlike the flat peach, whose fuzzy skin can be unpleasant or even allergenic in some cases, the skin of the nectarine is much thinner and you can take a bite without any problems," says Ángel Vallin. "Ondine flat nectarines are the perfect On-the-go product, to eat anywhere, anytime and for any age."
Developed from a range of varieties that cover the entire commercial calendar, Ondine will be available on supermarket shelves from June to October, with productions from the northern hemisphere (Spain, France, Italy and Morocco) and also from the southern hemisphere from January to April.
“Since our focus is on the flavor, we don't have fruit in April and May. We'll start in June in the northern hemisphere, with longer cycle varieties and higher brix levels. One of the main problems of stone fruit is the lack of consistency, quality and flavor due to the abundance of varieties available on the market. The consumer may have good experiences, but also average or even unpleasant ones, which can affect the sales. We know that flavor is essential for sales to be successful,” says Ángel Vallin. "Ondine has a very sweet flavor, with an average of 15 brix degrees and a good balance of acidity and aromatic plum, nectarine and honey tones."
"This campaign, we'll be present in supermarket chains in France and the United Kingdom, although in the long term we plan to reach most European countries. The future of Ondine is very promising and every person who has been taking part in this project around the world is proud to be able to help consumers purchase a fruit in line with new trends and standards,” says Angel Vallin.
The French geneticist company ASF has more than 40 years of experience in selecting and obtaining peach, nectarine, flat peach, cherry, apricot, and apple varieties and has consolidated commercial brands such as Regal'in. It is vertically integrated together with important marketing companies and is in direct contact with retailers, which allows it to learn directly about the needs of consumers.
For more information:
Ángel Vallin
Agro Selections Fruits
Route d'Alenya
La Prade de Mousseillous
66200 Elne. France
angel-vallin@regal-in.com
www.regal-in.com