The harvest of organic Fairtrade exotics from smallholder farming in Indonesia is now in full swing. "The season has got off to a very good start, with great quality and pleasing volumes. We are observing a balanced market situation, as the available volume roughly corresponds to demand," explains Sven Ziegler from the specialised import company Kipepeo bio & fair GmbH, based in Frickenhausen.
In addition to smallholder exotic produce from Africa and Thailand, Kipepeo has been specialising in the import and distribution of Indonesian tropical fruit for five years now. Ziegler: "The volume from our Indonesian project is increasing from year to year. Last year, we had a good marketing season in which we were able to supply our customers with Indonesian tropical fruit right through to April. This year, we are lucky that prices are slightly lower than last year, which is again due to the slight reduction in freight rates."
Salak (l) and mangosteen
Product range diversity and WFTO certification
In total, the range of Indonesian exotics contains around ten products, including the now established items snake fruit (salak), soursop, mangosteen and the unusual mango variety apple. According to Ziegler, the star fruit carambola with edible skin and the vitamin-rich crystal guava are new additions to the range. Despite inflation and a drop in purchasing power, the appreciation of smallholder organic Fairtrade products is steadily increasing. "Customers continue to remain loyal to us and our products, and this applies to both our customers in the organic specialised trade and the end consumer. In this respect, we are seeing a pleasing cohesion in the industry."
The philosophy of fair trade continues to be the focus. "Following an extensive certification process, we have been recognised as a guaranteed member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) since September. With the WFTO logo, which will gradually be displayed on our products in future, we are communicating our appreciation of all players in our supply chain. The fact that fair trade with economically disadvantaged small farmers is important to us will be visible in a new way at the point of sale."
Crystal guava (left) and star fruit (carambola) are new to the range
Synergy effects of the individual projects
Thanks to the cultivation projects in Africa, Thailand and Indonesia, Kipepeo guarantees its customers a continuous supply of unusual organic Fairtrade exotics, continues Ziegler. "Our products from Uganda can be traded all year round, even in summer, without interruption. During the high season, from November to March/April, we have goods from three countries of origin, namely Uganda, Indonesia, and Thailand."
Kipepeo bio & fair GmbH will be celebrating its 25th anniversary next year. Overall, the demand for organic Fairtrade products has gradually increased over the years. "We are observing a positive trend not only in Germany, but also in the neighbouring countries of Austria and Switzerland, where we are also active. In this respect, we are quite positive about the future," concludes Ziegler.
Images: Kipepeo bio & fair GmbH
For more information:
Sven Ziegler
Kipepeo bio & fair GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 17
D-72636 Frickenhausen
Tel: +49 (0) 7022 - 24 93 94-0
Fax: +49 (0) 7022 - 24 93 94-4
Mail: sven.ziegler@kipepeo.com
Web: www.kipepeo.com