France: Sofruileg introduces the Nergi kiwiberry

The new kiwiberries Nergi from the French company Sofruileg will soon be on the shelves. Together with Plant and Food Research in New Zealand they have developed different varieties. Normally a kiwiberry does not have a long shelf life, but the Nergi has excellent storage properies. Sofruileg has exclusive European distribution rights for the plant. The production started in collaboration with partners Prim'land (France) and FruitWorld (Netherlands).

The company introduces new products regularly. In 2003 they came up with the concept 'Summerkiwi', an early green kiwi. This was a commercial success in France. The Nergi-kiwiberry is healthy and tasty and the size of a cherry tomato. Nergi is loaded with vitamin C. In addition, they do not need to be peeled and are ready-to-eat. The product is used in many different recipes and can be eaten any time and anywhere.

Currently, the Nergi are harvested in different parts of Europe and are promoted in various ways. In France, there have been several tastings and consumers responded enthusiastically. The products are packed per 125 grams and the package includes a QR code.

The kiwi will soon be found almost everywhere. In restaurants, catering services, supermarkets, wholesalers. Nergi is produced in various parts of Europe on an area of 30 hectares. By 2016 the area will have been expanded to 500 acres. In this first season there are 200,000 consumer packagings available and in 2020 this is expected to have risen to 80 million. Currently the kiwiberries are available from August to November, but the season will lengthen in the coming years due to production in the Southern Hemisphere. The promotion is being carried out through various major trade fairs for the fresh produce industry. In addition, famous chefs will also be introduced to Nergi.

Photos: Sofruileg

For more information:
Jean-Pierre Caruel
Tel.: +33(0)6/13891433
www.nergi.info