Ümit Savran, Key Account Manager at OGV Nordbaden, was introduced to the cultivation of stone fruit, grapes and, not least, pomegranates, at an early age thanks to his family in Turkey. "After we looked for other potential products at OGV, I immediately thought of the pomegranate. It has a long shelf life, is very rich in vitamins, and with a fine sweet and sour taste," Savran tells us at the OGV Nordbaden eG booth at expoSE 2022.
The OGV Nordbaden eG team at expoSE 2022 (from left to right): Thomas Gilbers, Oliver Friedrich, Jacqueline Wetzstein, Kurt Halder and Ümit Savran.
300 to 500 tons of organic pomegranates from Turkey
By chance, Savran came into contact with a grower who had started growing and marketing pomegranates only a few years ago and was about to import the produce to Europe. "The grower is steadily expanding his volumes. We expect to have at least 300-500 tons per year available to us in the future." However, it is also important to the company from Bruchsal to offer the goods in organic quality in the future. The grower is currently in the testing process to obtain the necessary certificates.
"The pomegranates will be distributed to wholesalers for the time being, although the focus will also be on supplying food retailers. We have already included pomegranates in our weekly offer. To date, customers have shown a high level of interest in the unusual fruit."
Savran demonstrates how to properly slice a pomegranate.
Step 1: Slice a 'pentagon' by lightly scoring the crown.
Step 2: Carefully lift the "lid" off the fruit.
Step 3: Cut open the chambers and slice them.
Step 4: Using both hands, gently pull apart.
A great deal of interest in the fruit is definitely noticeable. However, the full potential will only be realized when the proper use and preparation 
of the fruit becomes more widespread. "Platforms such as YouTube show tutorials on how to cut open pomegranates correctly and, above all, without leaking too much. Once this knowledge catches on and people know what they can do with this fruit and how valuable it is, the pomegranate will be even more popular with consumers."
Step 5: Enjoy.
For more information:
Ümit Savran
OGA / OGV Nordbaden eG
Industriestr. 1-3
D-76646 Bruchsal
Tel. +49 7251 8002-0
Fax +49 7251 8002-99
mail@oga-bruchsal.de
http://www.oga-bruchsal.de