Agence Laparra has been marketing Red Passion kiwis for a few days now. Its chairman, Éric Godard-Durand, looks back at the development of this fruit, which is still in its infancy but full of promise.
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"Red Passion kiwis have come a long way"
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"About fifteen years ago, we received a few trials of Red Passion kiwis from China," recalls Éric Godard-Durand. But the volumes were anecdotal. Today, the company's range includes Red Passion®. Developed in Italy by the Kiwi Passion Consortium and marketed under the Club Red Passion brand, the RS1 variety (under licence) has been produced in France since 2019. The two operators - Vergers Cancel and Primland - have a production and marketing licence. "Around 250 tons are currently produced in France. But given the enthusiasm, it is easy to imagine a big increase in production over the next few years, if the increase in acreage allows for it," explains Éric Godard-Durand.
"Red kiwis are a very popular product"
"Hayward green kiwis will remain the leader for a long time to come, alongside yellow kiwis, a segment that is already well developed and growing steadily. Red kiwis, on the other hand, remain a niche product for the time being, but the fruit is already undeniably popular. The feedback we are getting from our clients is excellent," explains Éric Godard-Durand. As a niche product, its price is still relatively high given its top-of-the-range positioning. "There has been a great deal of growth and momentum around Red Passion, and this should continue to grow. With the gradual increase in volumes, prices could decrease in the years to come." Agence Laparra mainly markets the French production, which is then replaced by the Italian products.
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For more information:
© Laparra
Eric Godard Durand
Agence Laparra
62A, rue de Montpellier
Bat C2
94622 Rungis
Phone: +33(0)1 46 86 40 30
Mobile: +33(0)6 09 22 20 84
[email protected]
www.laparra.fr
