Pascale Begoulle, sales director of SIKIG, provides an update on the current French kiwi campaign. "Our season profile is very similar to last year's, except for the predominance of larger sizes and the slightly higher volumes. The campaign is similar to the previous one, but this is mainly due to the "very slow market."
High prices
"Kiwis remain expensive this year." Prices are virtually unchanged from 2023, but "production costs (cultivation, storage, packaging) continue to rise, and inflation is leading to a general drop in sales. Today, households find it increasingly difficult to buy kiwis." According to Pascale Begoulle, French production costs are among the highest in Europe.
"We find it extremely difficult to compete on the global market," with France's biggest competitors being Greece and Italy. After all, most of the French production is sold on the French market, and "French exports have only decreased over the last 20 years." French kiwi producers can count on French supermarkets, which "regularly implement actions to boost sales, but sales are still lower than last year."
French kiwi producers are also faced with the problem of restricting phytosanitary solutions, which is currently causing a stir through the fruit and vegetable sector. "Greek producers benefit from exemptions which we do not have," explains Pascale.
Longer campaign
Given the "slower" market and slightly higher volumes, the current campaign is likely to last longer. However, Pascale Begoulle remains confident. "There is nothing to panic about. We will certainly extend sales by two weeks in May, just before the arrival of the New Zealand origin." The French production will also benefit from the fact that Italian volumes are very low this year, due to root asphyxia in the orchards, as well as weather hazards (frost and flooding).
Organic production
SIKIG also produces organic green kiwis. So far, the company has not been strongly impacted by the "organic crisis", but this year is "more difficult." Sales are slow, and the season is likely to last longer.
SunGold : SIKIG partners with Zespri
Nearly 15 years ago, SIKIG decided to partner with Zespri. Today, SIKIG is the first French producer of SunGold kiwis under license out of the 3 producers in France. SIKIG does not regret this choice. "We offer our growers a diversification that enables them to balance their income and have a more secure business model with a variety that has long since proved its worth. In addition to its technical support, Zespri also benefits from a strong reputation among consumers thanks to an effective marketing strategy."
For more information:
SIKIG
Pascale Begoulle
Tél : + 33 (0)5 58 73 22 34
Cell. : + 33 (0) 82 68 43 50
[email protected]
www.kiwi-france.com