Vergers Cancel is pressing ahead with the ambitious kiwifruit development programme it launched five years ago. Alexandre Cancel discusses the new red kiwifruit campaign now underway and provides an update on the company's progress in the yellow and green segments. 
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An additional 20 hectares for red kiwifruit
This year's red kiwifruit crop is off to a very good start. "The season is running smoothly, neither early nor late, and both quality and sugar levels are excellent," says Alexandre Cancel. This season, Vergers Cancel expects to harvest close to 250 tonnes of Red Passion, a sharp rise from the 100 tonnes harvested last year. "We've doubled our volumes, which means a longer campaign and twice as much shelf space." 
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But the company has no intention of slowing down. It currently has 15 hectares in production, in addition to 30 hectares planted three years ago that will bear fruit next year. A new 20-hectare expansion project is also underway, bringing the total area to 50 hectares. "We should reach around 750 tonnes of red kiwifruit within five years," explains Alexandre Cancel. "But we're advancing step by step, making sure our marketing channels are strong and well-structured before increasing volumes." 
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"Red kiwifruit still has strong growth potential"
Despite its higher cost, the variety is sensitive to PSA and must be grown under cover, but red kiwifruit has carved out a loyal market. "Consumers look forward to it every year," says Cancel with satisfaction. Yet, there remains significant room for growth, particularly with retailers. A new tub format has been designed this year specifically for supermarkets. Red Passion has already been available in supermarkets for about ten days and will reach broader retail distribution this week. Looking ahead, the red kiwifruit could soon find its place in the foodservice sector. Vergers Cancel recently participated in the second Salon du BON, held on 18–20 October at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris, a trade event for catering professionals organized by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. "Restaurant owners have shown a real enthusiasm for red kiwifruit, not only for its flavour, but also because it brings colour, originality, and a touch of creativity to their dishes."
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Unlike green kiwifruit, the red variety can be enjoyed at a later stage of ripening.
Yellow kiwifruit acreage continues to expand, while green kiwifruit volumes return to normal
With 55 hectares now under cultivation, production of Dori yellow kiwifruit is also increasing. For the 2025 season, around 250 tonnes will be harvested, and Vergers Cancel expects to reach 1,500 tonnes by 2028. "Yellow kiwifruit continues to grow steadily, and newly planted orchards will soon come into production," says Cancel. "The Dori variety offers a very mild flavour, and fruits easily reach 16–18° Brix." 
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The green kiwifruit harvest begins this week. While exact figures are still uncertain, the outlook is much brighter than last year. "There's no doubt we'll recover our full potential this season. Last year's shortfall was due to poor pollination caused by adverse weather," explains Cancel. Currently grown on 500 hectares, green kiwifruit is also seeing renewed expansion. "We're continuing to develop the green segment, planting new orchards to boost production and offset losses linked to PSA bacterial blight and root asphyxia problems."
For more information:
Alexandre Cancel
Vergers Cancel
1 rue de l'Occitanie
ZA Barres 82100 Castelsarrasin
Tel: +33 (0) 5 63 04 82 13
[email protected]
https://www.vergers-cancel.fr/
