The Chilean Fruit Company (CCF), born from the union of three great producers with a total of 350-400 hectares, annually produces around 4,000 tonnes of kiwis, 1,500 tonnes of apples and 175 tonnes of cherries. It has the GlobalGAP certification in all its plantations and sells the fruit under the brand CCF.
"Almost 100% of our cherry shipments go to Asian markets such as China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This is also the case with apples, as we produce lots of Fuji that is shipped mainly to Taiwan. When it comes to kiwis, we do make some shipments to Europe; through Rotterdam it arrives mainly to Germany, Italy and some to England," explains Nicolás Portaluppi, general manager of the firm.
At the moment the company is harvesting kiwis and apple. Half of the kiwi production will be stored in chambers until November, when the cherry production starts.
According to Portaluppi, in Europe, despite the recession, the demand for kiwi has not fallen and prices are similar to last year, mainly because Italy has a lower stock and its imports started earlier. Additionally, Latin America, Asia and the United States are registering slightly better prices than last year.
Next year, the firm expects to increase its production of kiwis, introducing yellow kiwis, and to double its apple production, growing in Royal Gala and red varieties, such as the Red Chief, of which they make shipments mostly to the Indian market.
In terms of markets, Asia is where the company has the better prospects for growth. "Later this month I will visit South East Asia to meet with agents in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia along with ProChile. We are very interested in that area, as well as India, as I believe both will gain strength in the coming years," concludes Nicolás Portaluppi.
For more information:
Nicolás Portaluppi
Compañía Chilena de la Fruta S.A
General Manager
Tel: 9-7452473
(+56 75) 543362
info@ccfruta.com
http://www.ccfruta.com/