The demand for sweet yellow kiwi fruit is growing all over the world. In China the demand for yellow kiwi fruit is growing rapidly, because the sweet taste fits the preference of Chinese consumers. “In the Chinese market, there are many different yellow kiwi fruit varieties, whereas, on the international market, there are currently only four commercialized yellow kiwi fruit varieties available and Dorí is one of them. It took almost 20 years in preparation and R&D to bring this variety into commercialization, though we are proud to see that it is well received globally. Dorí is an exciting new addition to the growing yellow kiwi fruit market, we are eager to provide more choices in terms of taste and quality profile for consumers that enjoy yellow kiwi fruit worldwide,” said Kevin Au Yeung of RK Growers.
Hong Kong Dorí promotion in supermarkets
Dorí promtion in Hong Kong
Last year was the first year the Dorí kiwi fruit was commercialized. This year the Dorí Consortium Europe continued their trial shipments in Asia. “We have different trials in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. This year the total output of Dorí increased to 2000 tons in comparison to 200 tons last season, and this number is expected to increase three-fold to 6000 tons next season. The selection requirements for export to Asia are very stringent, it needs to look good, clean skin, firm, uniformity, light golden skin, cylindrical in shape, with an excellent yellow flesh color and finally, a sweet and juicy taste. Furthermore, the yellow kiwi fruit needs to travel over 30 days before it arrives in Asia from Italy. To achieve this successfully, it requires extreme care when selecting fruit for Asia. Fortunately, Dorí is a great variety with good shelf life, this reduces the complexity to ship to Asia significantly” Explained Kevin Au Yeung.
Dorí promotion in Taiwan
Dorí promotion in Taiwan
During the trials in different Asian countries, they also conducted some promotional activities for Dorí kiwi fruit in supermarkets, wholesale markets and online channels. The President of Dorí Consortium Europe, Mr. Giampaolo Dal Pane, and the Managing Director of RK Growers, Mr. Paolo Carissimo, were present in Taiwan and Hong Kong’s promotion events, to introduce this great tasting Dorí to the consumers personally.
Dorí promotion event in Taiwan
Mr. Giampaolo Dal Pane and Mr. Paolo Carissimo at Hong Kong promotion
“Overall, the promotional events were very successful, we got lots of positive feedback from the consumers and wholesalers. Everyone who tried Dorí commented on the unique sweet taste that differs from other yellow kiwis. By participating in promotion events like the ones we have done in Hong Kong and Taiwan, we are able to get direct feedback from consumers and distributors about our product which will be very helpful for us to prepare for next season.” Says Kevin Au Yeung.
Dorí promotion in supermarkets in China
Dorí promotion in supermarkets in China
"Some interesting characteristic of Dorí is that even when it is not fully ripe, you can still taste the sweet and tanginess. Furthermore, the center of the Dorí kiwi fruit is soft even when the fruit is firm, so it is easy to eat. The best time to eat our Dorí kiwi fruit is when fully ripe, the unique sweetness will be much more prominent.”
Italian Ambrosia apple
“Besides the Dori yellow kiwi, another great tasting product we are introducing to the Asian market is the club variety, Ambrosia Apple, from Italy. This special bicolor apple has a exceptional honey like sweetness, while at the same time crunchy and juicy. These are all characteristics appealing to the Asian market. Currently we are exporting the Italian Ambrosia to Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. For other Asian markets such as Taiwan, Vietnam, China and Thailand, we are currently working on the protocols in order to ship this great tasting apple to these high potential markets. The demand for ambrosia apples is very strong globally, and currently, demand is greater than supply. We hope as volume continues to grow, more markets and consumers in Asia can experience and enjoy the amazing Ambrosia Apple.”
Kevin Au Yeung
Asia Market Manager
RKG Asia Ltd. (Asia Subsidiary of RK Growers S.r.l)
Web: www.rkg.it
Email: kevin.auyeung@rkg.it