Nearly 700 tons of Lovita plums are expected on the French market this year. This estimate is likely to be refined in the upcoming months. "Flowering took place rather early and went well, and we are now at the small fruit stage. We are now waiting for the end of spring to make more accurate forecasts. 2024 is an alternating year and the spring has been rather rainy, so we do not know yet if we will exceed 700 tons. We continue to monitor how the trees are holding up, and with the current cool weather and morning frosts, we must still be under absolute vigilance for a few more days," explains Monika Kujundzic, communications manager at French Fruit Lovers.
In addition to the French crop, this year's Spanish harvest is expected to total around 300 tons. This crop will be marketed in Spain by Fruites Font, sales partner of French Fruit Lovers. "This is the second Spanish harvest. Last year, our Spanish partner produced around 100 tons." European expansion continues, with Portugal's E.Timóteo joining the Lovita® club as an authorized distributor. Producer and exporter, E.Timóteo has a strong presence on the Portuguese domestic market, opening up new opportunities for Lovita® in the future. The marketing of the Portuguese origin should begin within the next 2 years.
To accompany this growing Lovita® production, the heart-shaped red-fleshed plum will be represented at MedFel, at an ideal time for growers who already have a more or less precise vision of expected volumes. "Medfel is a real opportunity to consolidate our commitments with existing clients, as well as to identify new business opportunities." Intensified production is also supported by active communication, with numerous in-store events and competitions designed to raise awareness about the Lovita® plum.
"Distributors trust us. The Lovita® is now a must-have plum for the end-of-season market. Our farmers faithfully respect the quality charter set up by the sector, and pick the plums when they are ripe to ensure optimal taste quality. The Lovita® is also easily identifiable in its white and red packaging, much appreciated by consumers. It is already generating a lot of interest on the market, and creating a lot of enthusiasm on social networks," according to Sébastien Guy, sales director at French fruit Lovers.
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