French kiwifruit supplier Sikig, based in south-west France, has revealed that pre-season tests on fruit still on the vines indicates that this will be a good year for eating quality. Temperatures over the summer and especially in October when the weather was unseasonably warm, are ensuring that sugar levels and taste will be in good balance.

Sikig harvests its fruit later than most in France to ensure optimum maturity and the warmth of the past month has helped to bulk fruit up as well as boost eating quality.

Volumes are likely to be slightly down on last season despite new producers joining the group. The shortfall of some 10 per cent is also due to the mild temperatures which have been commonplace in the major production regions in the northern hemisphere. Italy, Greece, Spain and California are all estimated to have crops some 20 pre cent down on last season, whereas France as a whole is forecasting a 17 per cent decline.

With New Zealand fruit clearing fast, the way is paved for the start of the European season. France is the continent's second largest producer behind Italy. Fruit should be available from early November.

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