Port International announces their new exclusive partner farm, the Hivekovics Family Orchards in Kisrécse, Hungary. This partnership marks a big step towards sustainable agriculture while providing a wide range of high-quality strawberries for the European market.
Photo: Port International (from left to right): Philippe Peiró, Ákos Hivekovics, André Lüling.
With over 300 employees on-site, Hivekovics Family Orchards produces over 400 tons of strawberries annually on 14 hectares of land. Efficient tunnel systems counteract frost, rain, and excessive heat, thereby increasing productivity and extending production times from early in the year to late autumn. The goal is to increase annual quantities to over 1,000 tons with an additional 17 hectares.
Port International collaborates with Hivekovics Family Orchards to test various strawberry varieties on-site to expand product diversity for supermarkets. One of these test varieties is 'Candela', known for its intense flavour, long shelf life, and high resistance.
The Location: Hungary
The farm is located in Kisrécse, Hungary. Ideal conditions such as the early onset of warm temperatures and a sufficient water supply compared to other European regions make it uniquely suitable for strawberry cultivation. In addition, the proximity to customers in the Central European market allows for harvesting and delivery on the same day, ensuring absolute freshness for the customer.
Focus on environmental awareness
Ákos Hivekovics, CEO of Hivekovics Family Orchards, has been advocating for the protection of our planet's natural habitats for over 25 years. He founded the farm to promote sustainable agricultural practices and create a better future. "Sustainability is at the heart of our efforts. We aim to reduce the use of groundwater and surface water and avoid the use of chemicals. Our strawberries are irrigated with collected rainwater, and we are investing in the development of a large water reservoir to cover up to 100 % of our water demand on the farm," comments Hivekovics.
Furthermore, the producer relies on organic techniques to maintain soil quality and ensure soil with natural nutrients. "Having Hivekovics Family Orchards in our Exclusive Partner Programme is another milestone on our journey towards a more sustainable future. We are proud to offer high-quality strawberries together that are not only delicious but also grown in an environmentally friendly way," comments Philippe Peiró, one of the Managing Directors of Port International European Sourcing GmbH.
For more information:
Carolin Pahmeier
Port International
Email: carolin@port-international.com