"Cold weather positively influences the kiwi market"

"We can't complain about the kiwi market. The cold weather has a positive influence on the sales", says Jan Vermeiren of Exofi. "It has a bad effect on other products but it's profitable for the kiwi's. The last few weeks the sales went up hugely. Besides this we have our regular customers for our brand Sikig, who have been buying this product with satisfaction for around 20 years."

"The prices for the French kiwi's have been at an equal level for the entire season. Sikig targets a niche market and supplies a qualitatively good product." The trader indicates that they are bothered by a strong competitor: Zespri. "Zespri supplies an Italian product and doesn't indicate this. Many consumers think that the kiwi's come from New-Zealand all year round. The normal Italian kiwi's are around 25% cheaper than the French. The Zespri kiwi's however, are at the same level as our French ones. They are also more well known, because the brand is promoted more. This is certainly noticeable."

Vermeiren expects a good season. "We're well on our way and I expect no special problems. We supply around 700 to 800 tonnes per year and we will do it again."Vermeiren has had the marks distribution in the Benelux of the brand Sikig for over 20 years and are market leader in French kiwi. "Sikig is the biggest shipper in France and supplies 18% of the total production."

For more information:
Exofi Fresh Market BVBA
Jan Vermeiren
Werkhuizenkaai 112, mag.25-26
B-100 Brussel
Tel: +32 2 243.12.49
GSM: + 32 475 86.09.80
[email protected]
www.exofi.be