"Hayward green kiwifruit volumes are below expectations this year. Yields per hectare are below those of last year due to the adverse climatic factors, especially in spring. Fruit quality is instead very good: we are expecting good grades, although they will not reach the levels of last year. As regards our producer partners in Lazio, yields seem lower than what estimated in the past few months with medium grades, except for some that manage stand out thanks to their high-quality and grades," reports Italo Catenaro (in the photo), sales director of Catenaro and president of Op Rimfruit.
"In general, I believe that the forecasts made over the past few months need to be adjusted downwards. But we will have more detailed data only when harvesting will be in full swing."
Rimfruit is a company located in San Vito Chietino (CH) with commercial branch Catenaro Italo processing 4,000 tons of Hayward green kiwifruit in total, 1,000 tons of which of organic produce. The company is growing and places a lot of attention on product quality and the specific demands of its different clients when it comes to ripening level, dry matter content and sugar level. Fruits hold the BRC, GRASP, SMETA, BIO and SEDEX certifications and have passed the ethical and work safety audits carried out by Wall-Mart – USA.
The company is starting to harvest the first batches of Hayward green kiwifruit. With the positive opinion of technicians and agronomists, partners in Abruzzo and Lazio will start harvesting fruits with a sugar content equal or above 6.5° Brix.
The first batches destined to markets overseas will depart in week 46, while the first batches destined to European supermarkets will depart in week 48.
"News from Greece, a country that does not send us produce but where we are testing new varieties, confirm a record production of Hayward kiwifruit that could surpass the Italian production. I believe we have witnessed the fairness and professionalism of Greek authorities, which have not allowed the harvesting of fruits with an unsuitable Brix level. Italy should take this as an example as, every year, fruits are pre-harvested and shipped that are not yet suitable for commercialization."
This season too, the entrepreneur is worried about the increasing strength of Greece.
As of this year, OP Rimfruit is focusing more on Italian supermarkets, as it believes the Italian distribution chain can play a significant role during this particular season.
"We want to work with chains as a reliable supplier. Our logistics enables us to carry out AxB supplies maintaining the cold chain, so we are hoping to increase our work on the domestic market as well as confirming the supplies to our clients abroad."
The company now boasts a chilled logistics hub that uses the latest technologies for kiwifruit storage with new loading ramps and outdoor spaces. Units ensure the storage of fresh goods (-6.0-0.0°C), produce (0.0°-8.0°C) and nuts at a controlled temperature.
"We are pleased with our latest investments in a period that is not exactly positive for Italy and the whole world due to the sanitary crisis. We comply with all regulations to work safely - we have reorganized the entire company and set up a Covid office as well, for which we employed a new person dedicated exclusively to welcoming anyone who accesses our company."
Contacts:
Azienda Ortofrutticola Rimfruit
Via Del Mare 26
66038 San Vito Chietino (CH) Italy
Tel: +39 0872 58467
Cell.: +39 327 6614270
Email: info@catenaroitalo.com
Website: www.rimfruit.com