After Apifood, Vergers Cancel, Boyer and Le Vieux Pointet from France entering the Lovita® project, as well as Fruites Font from Spain in 2021, it is now Portugal's turn to join the club with stone fruit specialist producer-distributor Timóteo. This partnership was announced on October 5th at Fruit Attraction. It is a pivotal year for the red-fleshed, heart-shaped plum which, in addition to continuing its development in Europe, is enjoying a fine 2023 campaign, with volumes that have tripled compared to last year (1,300 tons vs. 350 tons in 2022).
Emanuel Timóteo (father), Sébastien Rispe (Pépinières Rispe), Emanuel Timóteo (son), Benoit Escande (Pépinières Escande) and Sébastien Guy, sales manager of French Fruit Lovers
European production reaching 120 hectares
After successful trials in its orchards, Timóteo has decided to “actively participate in the development of the Lovita® plum on the Portuguese market.” Today, Lovita® plums are grown on a total of 120 hectares (80 hectares in France, 20 hectares in Spain and 20 hectares in Portugal). Timoteo's managing director, Elias Timoteo, wanted to get involved because he “firmly believes in this exceptional plum. The Lovita® has adapted perfectly to the soils and climate, and its taste qualities are incredible.”
Planting is due to start this winter. Sébastien Guy, in charge of the project at French Fruit Lovers, is delighted with “this strategic development and delighted to welcome the leading Portuguese partner, both producer and exporter to numerous destinations, which shares a vision of quality for the sector.”
Founded in 2008, Timóteo is a fruit production and marketing company based in Óbidos, Portugal. Expanding into foreign markets, Timoteo has direct operations in Brazil, Morocco, Poland, Germany, and partnerships in France, England, Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Colombia.
For more information:
Monika Kujundzic
French Fruit Lovers
2788 route de la Mégère
82200 Moissac - France
Phone: +33 (0)5 63 04 01 06
Mobile: +33 (0) 6 62 02 77 15
monika@agence-kujundzic.com
www.lovita-plum.com