Marketer reports positive early-season feedback for red-fleshed variety as it ramps up volumes from Argentina, Chile and South Africa
Italian company Jingold has sourced a larger volume of organic green kiwifruit from Argentina in recent weeks, as it looks to capitalise on strong summer demand for what it says is now a year-round category in Europe.
As its Southern Hemisphere imports move into their peak with volumes from Chile, Argentina and South Africa, the group has reported a good level of interest across Europe.
Sales of red-fleshed product Exotic Red, which kicked off in late May, are now in their final phase, while marketing of yellow-fleshed kiwifruit – its core product – began in the second half of June.
“Early feedback is positive and confirms customer interest in having Jingold products available during the summer months as well,” comments Moreno Armuzzi, sales manager at Jingold. “Available volumes are largely in line with last year, but we have managed to expand our customer base by launching several new programmes.”
He adds: “We are still in the early weeks of the campaign, and it will be important to monitor market trends throughout the summer.”
Southern surge
Armuzzi revealed that Jingold’s exclusive varieties have been accompanied this summer by a larger volume of organic Hayward kiwifruit, which will also be marketed under the brand, from Argentina.
“This expands our organic product availability and meets the growing demand for this item in specific market segments.”
The company apparently sees its greatest opportunities for growth in South Africa and Chile.
In South Africa, the recent expansion of new orchards continues, supported by what are described as favourable environmental conditions.
And in Chile, Jingold has reinforced its procurement activities through new investments.
“Our goal is to build an increasingly stable and predictable supply of high-quality kiwifruit for international markets year-round,” Armuzzi concludes.
