A Gomez Ltd, based in Canterbury, Kent, is heavily involved with Spanish grapes, sourcing from the main grape-growing region in Murcia. “Spanish grapes make up approximately 20 per cent of our current yearly fruit portfolio in total, for both the supermarket and wholesale markets,” says managing director Jim Parmenter.
“Our whole portfolio of products has grown, but all have grown in the same proportion. There have been no significant changes in Spanish production methods,” he continues. “However, Gomez’s suppliers are extremely active in the development of new varieties, with samples frequently being sent to the UK for customer feedback. The focus for our suppliers is to produce varieties, that consistently offer the best-eating quality.”
Gomez has a unique relationship with its Spanish grape growers that has been built up over many decades, Parmenter says. “We are able to programme each grower months in advance of the season starting so they can plan their production and have it ready when we need it,” he adds.
Gomez has noticed a change in the way that some supermarkets display grapes now, with some keen on taking loose grape in a zipped bag, which adds cost to the product. “Punneted grapes is not a new idea but the amount of different punnet designs required is growing as each line has to be customised for each of the supermarkets’ pillar brands,” says Parmenter.
Gomez is aiming to increase its offer in 2005 by extending the season for Crimson grape and is also conducting trials of a new Spanish white seedless variety. Parmenter says the first trial results are “very positive”.
The company has been serving produce in the UK for almost 60 years and its portfolio continues to expand with some 100 suppliers around the world. The group services both leading supermarkets and non-multiple customers and has an annual turnover of nearly £100 million.
Recently Gomez launched a new range of premium produce branded Gomez Reserv, aimed specifically at the market outside the major multiples. Spanish grapes will be a big part of the Gomez Reserv range. Grape varieties selected for Gomez Reserv include Sugraone, Thompson and Crimson, sourced from specially chosen suppliers taken from Gomez’s global supply base. These include growers in South Africa, Chile, Spain, Greece, Morocco and Argentina.
“As with all products within the brand, the grapes have to have attributes which are far in excess of the norm,” says Parmenter. “In particular, Gomez Reserv grapes have a minimum berry size, and excellent sugar levels - a minimum of 17 per cent brix. The attributes are guaranteed by a particularly-devised specification.”
Gomez Reserv will initially be available to its non-multiple clients. The grapes are presented in strong, bold bunches displayed in clear plastic bags to show off the produce to its best, and packaged in the distinctive blue Gomez Reserv box. Parmenter says: “The grape market in particular is very discerning and will appreciate this initiative.”
Sales of Gomez Reserv grapes are expected to be high from the start, as the demand for high quality produce has already been proven by the launch of the first products in the range - “Beautiful and Tasty Tomato on- the-vine.”
The offer of premium quality grapes under the Gomez Reserv brand will be 52-weeks a year. Parmenter says: “This is a premium range grown by carefully selected growers to our highest standards. We believe there is a demand for assured quality produce within the non-multiple sector, and too often that demand is not being met. By supplying premium product, while ensuring continuity and brand integrity, we intend to build brand loyalty from discerning customers.”
No comments yet