As well as the South African domestic market, where Woolworths has exclusive selling rights of the Flavor Fall plum, volumes are expected to go to selected customers in Europe, Middle East and Far East.
Jako van Lill, Commercial Manager at Fruits Unlimited, said a total of 210 tons would be grown this season and he expects this to double next year. A total of 110 ha of Flavor Fall were planted with an estimated 500,000 cartons (5kg equivalent) to be harvested within the next 5 – 6 years. "The Flavor Fall plums have a brix percentage of 15-20% and peak on size AA- AAA. This is a premium variety which gives growers maximum returns with up to an 80% packout rate".
The plums will be arriving to a difficult market in the UK which is still full of Chilean fruit, but Jako explains that the Flavor Fall variety is a premium variety and so will be able to differentiate itself from the other fruit on offer. This variety is also available from South American suppliers but according to Jako, in taste tests last season the South African fruit came out on top.South African has experienced extreme heat this summer with temperatures reaching as high as 46-48 °C. Jako said some sunburn has been seen on the plums but it not a serious problem, "the variety can withstand heat well, we are still at a learning stage with this variety. We can learn more about canopy covering and insect control, we will also be carrying out more storage trials with Smart Fresh. At the moment we can store the fruit for 10 weeks using Modified Atmosphere bags, extending the season into June".
For more information:
Jako van Lill
Fruits Unlimited
Tel: +27 (0)21 860 1800
Cell:+27 (0)82 824 5192
Fax:+27 (0)86 528 0473
[email protected]
www.fruits.co.za