The French company Primland produces and markets the Oscar kiwi variety. This year, the company entered the Vietnamese market. According to Jean-Baptiste Pinel, General Manager of Primland, this has turned out well. "It took a very long time negotiating to get sanitary clearance, but we can be happy with the result. The Oscar was well received; the Vietnamese consumers like sweet products. As the Oscar is a premium kiwi, it’s guaranteed to be sweet and tasty. Generally speaking, the Oscar works very well in all countries where consumers have a sweet tooth.”
Primland produces French, and Chilean kiwis. Last week Primland celebrated its 20th anniversary in Chile: "The French Oscar campaign is almost over, and we will start harvesting in Chile in early April, so that we can serve our customers year-round."
François Lafitte, President of Primland, Ronald Bown, President of Asoex (Association of Chilean exporters), Elizabeth Köhler, Coordinator of the Chilean Kiwi committee, Carlos Cruzat, President of the Chilean Kiwi committee and Jean-Baptiste Pinel celebrating the 20th anniversary in Chile
"Primland's top two priorities are, firstly, opening up new markets and offering new products, such as the Oscar Gold. In addition, we are always developing our products. Currently we strive to increase the amount of our organic Oscar. Jean-Baptiste underlines the lack in organic Oscar: "The popularity of organic products is growing tremendously, and as a result the demand for organic Oscar is simultaneously growing. The popularity of organic products is mainly a European phenomenon; in Asia, the popularity of organic kiwis does not increase much.”
"Considering sizes and quality, we’re going through a pretty normal season. On sales level, we are on the same percentages as last year, as we continued to sell similar volumes in Europe as well as outside Europe. Demand is down slightly, but it’s still good. Our Italian competitors have fewer products, and this puts the market in a favourable position regarding selling prices.”
Primland exports mainly to China, Taiwan, Thailand and Europe. About 40% of its production is destined for the French market. The Oscar brand has existed for 38 years. "Apart from France, the Oscar is well known in Belgium, Spain, and the rest of Europe, and it has a good reputation in China, Taiwan and Thailand as well. Our reputation in Vietnam is growing.”
For more information:
Primland
+33 (0)5 58 90 09 95