UK-based importer AG Thames has confirmed it has signed an exclusive deal with Oz Peach to manage the Australian breeder’s stonefruit series in Europe and North Africa.
The range, which includes very early nectarine and peach varieties, could potentially crop from mid-March, requiring very low chilling units.
It could also revolutionise the early offer, said Danny Francis, business unit director at AG Thames, by bringing earlier, fresher varieties to the market.
“There is still huge potential to improve the annual stonefruit offer in terms of quality and value,” said Francis.
“This can mostly be achieved by varietal development and opportunities exist for growers globally to access the right material to put them to the forefront of the industry.
“This forms just one part of our plan to drive innovation through in the stonefruit category.”
Access
AG Thames aims to give growers access to varieties not ordinarily available, taking account of how those varieties work and whether they can be produced sustainably.
“This series is very favourable in that respect as they yield well, Class I pack-outs are very high and they can be picked in two waves, lowering input costs. Sharing technical knowledge and reducing water usage considerably are both fundamental,” he explained.
“Growers also obtain a commercial crop in year two, while shelf-life and eating quality have proven very positive and consistent in trials.
“Whilst this gives our UK customers the advantage of early access, our market is only a small part of the opportunity,” Francis concluded.
“Price elasticity in northern Europe is a strong indicator of whether a market is oversupplied or not. Peach and nectarine pricing for late March and April indicates Europe is a long way from saturation.
“The catchment area for these varieties within Europe and North Africa is nearly a billion people.”
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