EUROFRUIT—ISSUE 512
EUROFRUIT
DISTRIBUTED AT
THE INTERNATIONAL MARKETING MAGAZINE FOR FRESH PRODUCE BUYERS IN EUROPE
VISIT US AT
FEBRUARY 2018 — ISSUE 512 fruitnet.com/eurofruit
CITYCUBE HALL B STAND A-04 7-9 FEBRUARY 2018
AVOCADOS
UNLOCKING POTENTIAL IN GLOBAL MARKETS AFRICA
2018
Investment and innovation spark growing interest
JAN FEB MAR • APR • MAY • JUN • JUL-AUG • SEP • OCT • NOV-DEC
Silver service with a smile NEWS
Euro Fruits’ Nitin Agrawal reflects on twenty-five years of building close ties with customers and growing India’s table grape export business
EURO FRUITS AVOCADOS SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA TOPFRUIT TECHNOLOGY #FRESHIDEAS
COVER.indd 1
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since 1973
Young companies hit the ground running ow would you approach this business if you had the chance to start over? Relieved of the various items of baggage you have picked up over the years, and with only a blank canvas in front of you, what would be your vision for a successful future venture in the fresh fruit and vegetable business? A little over a quarter of a century ago, Euro Fruits founder Nitin Agrawal set out his idea for a model of production and supply that would offer the trade something new: high-quality table grapes shipped from India to satisfy growing demand for the fruit during a period of the year into which the likes of South Africa and Chile couldn’t quite stretch, and in which European sources weren’t quite ready. Several of the companies featured in this fantastic February issue are young in commercial terms. While they may be at a disadvantage in terms of arriving in the market later than the more established supply countries, they do have the distinct advantage of being able to apply some important lessons already learned by those incumbents. They can hit the ground running by selecting the right varieties, producing them sustainably, shipping their consignments efficiently, and planning their arrival in the market accurately. Of course, not everything is immediately within their grasp – especially not the kind of access to better predictive analytics in which a number of bigger players are now investing – but, as Nitin and his colleagues discovered back in 1992, with a healthy dose of positivity, and by forging friendly partnerships, there is considerable strength to be drawn from the freedom of a fresh start. _ E
H
They may arrive in the market later, but they have the distinct advantage of being able to apply some important lessons that have already been learned
on the cover Nitin Agrawal, founder of Euro Fruits, is this month’s keynote interview as his company celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Mike Knowles, Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @mikefruitnet
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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contents
february 2018 briefings
features
dispatches
8.............Fresh 10
26..........Euro Fruits 25
78..........Loading Bay
10...........Produce Lines
36..........Avocados
80..........Photo blog
12...........Sustainability
42..........South Africa
16...........Salads
52..........Africa
18...........FL Innovation Award
60..........Israel
22...........Germany
62..........Palestinian Territories
24..........Mexico
63..........Bayer 64..........WOP Dubai 68..........Topfruit 72..........Pineapples 74...........Packaging
© 2018 Market Intelligence Limited. All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, including photocopies and information retrieval systems, without the prior permission of Market Intelligence Limited. Published monthly, except for the July/August and November/December issues, by Market Intelligence Limited. Eurofruit Magazine is a registered trademark of Market Intelligence Limited. Printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick (UK). Market Intelligence Ltd 132 Wandsworth Road London SW8 2LB, United Kingdom tel +44 20 7501 3700 fax +44 20 7501 0306 info@fruitnet.com fruitnet.com
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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News
Events
fruitnet.com/eurofruit
berrycongress.com
Visit the Global Berry Congress website for the latest event photos, programme updates and details on how to register.
eurofruit's news website provides regular updates on all the top stories from the European fresh fruit and vegetable business.
Photo Blog instagram.com/chrisfruitnet
Follow Chris White's Instagram page for regular photos, commentary and occasional video updates from his travels around the world.
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E
bit.ly/Eurofruitapp
Download the eurofruit app from the iTunes App Store and enjoy an interactive, digital copy – available at the start of each month.
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Readers with a digital subscription to eurofruit can also access our Digital Edition, which includes back issues and downloadable pdf pages.
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04
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february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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Untitled-1 1 Untitled-1 1
18/01/2016 10:01 13/05/2015 09:27
since 1973
editorial
advertising
editor Mike Knowles
advertising manager Artur Wiselka
deputy editor Carl Collen
account manager Felix Moritz
senior reporter Tom Joyce
account executive Giorgio Mancino
+44 20 7501 3702 michael@fruitnet.com
+44 20 7501 3703 carl@fruitnet.com
+44 20 7501 3704 tom@fruitnet.com
features editor Maura Maxwell
+44 20 7501 3706 maura@fruitnet.com
staff writer Fred Searle
+44 20 7501 0301 fred@fruitnet.com
design & production
design manager Simon Spreckley
+44 20 7501 3713 simon@fruitnet.com
middleweight designer Anna Patoka
+48 12 200 2129 artur@fruitnet.com
+44 20 7501 0313 felix@fruitnet.com
+44 20 7501 3716 giorgio@fruitnet.com
Fred Meintjes eurofruit
Dominic Weaver red communications
sales executive Birgit Hannemann
Fred finds South African
Dominic celebrates ten
organisation Karsten
years of South Africa’s
Group celebrating 50 years
marketing campaigns,
in farming, while also
which have raised the
painting a positive picture
profile and sales of
for the future.
stonefruit and topfruit.
karsten–p42-43
marketing–p50
Stephanie Zaar fruchthandel
Brett Ennis prevar
Stephanie outlines how
Brett explains how
new investments and
Piqa pears are gaining
improvements from
traction, with commercial
Ethiopia's fresh produce
commitment up in
suppliers are attracting
Australia and New Zealand
more European buyers.
and a new deal in Europe.
ethiopia–p58-59
prevar–p68-69
+49 2131-27 64 07 birgit@fruitnet.com
us & canada Jeff Long
tel +1 805 966 0815 fax +1 805 966 0061 jeff@fruitnet.com
france Irmelin Egelhoff
tel +49 211 691 4523 fax +49 211 691 1746 irmelin@fruitnet.com
italy Giordano Giardi
+44 20 7501 3721 anna@fruitnet.com
tel +39 059 786 3839 fax +39 059 786 3868 giordano@fruitnet.com
graphic designer Veronica D'Arruda
south africa Fred Meintjes
+44 20 7501 3715 veronica@fruitnet.com
administration
financial director Elvan Gul +44 20 7501 3711 elvan@fruitnet.com
accounts manager Tracey Thomas +44 20 7501 3717 tracey@fruitnet.com
+27 28 754 1418 fredmeintjes@fruitnet.com
asia pacific Kate Riches
+61 3 9040 1601 kate@fruitnet.com
asia pacific Alexandra Walker
+61 2 8005 3495 alexandra@fruitnet.com
management
accounts assistant Günal Yildiz
executive director Robert Broadfoot
office manager Mandy Emeny-Smith
commercial director Ulrike Niggemann
+44 20 7501 3714 gunal@fruitnet.com
+44 20 7501 0310 mandy@fruitnet.com
events & marketing
group events manager Marija Cvetkovic
contributors
+49 211 99 10 413 robert@fruitnet.com
+49 211 99 10 425 ulrike@fruitnet.com
managing director Chris White +44 20 7501 3710 chris@fruitnet.com
+44 20 7501 3707 marija@fruitnet.com
marketing & event operations manager Laura Martín Nuñez +44 20 7501 3720 laura@fruitnet.com
key to writers cc Carl Collen cw Chris White fm Fred Meintjes fs Fred Searle ge Gabrielle Easter gk Gerry Kelman jh John Hey jl Jeff Long lc Luisa Cheshire mb Michael Barker mj Matthew Jones mk Mike Knowles mm Maura Maxwell np Nina Pullman tj Tom Joyce yy Yuxin Yang
subscriptions & events executive Michelle Walsh +44 20 7501 0311 michelle@fruitnet.com
06
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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ER T S I REG OW N E V A S & *E
ARLY BIRD RATES
19 | 20 | 21 March 2018 WTC CONVENTION CENTER – ROTTERDAM
The annual meeting point for the global berry business Sponsors include
For information on sponsorships, exhibiting and to join the mailing list email info@berrycongress.com
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briefings fresh 10
SEND YOUR NEWS TO:
news@fruitnet.com
1
Greenyard-Dole: takeover deal is off
COMPANIES A landmark deal that would have seen Europe’s largest fruit and vegetable supplier, Greenyard, acquire US-based produce company Dole Food for a reported US$2.5bn will not go ahead. In a statement, the Belgian company said that negotiations to buy Dole had “ended without a definitive agreement”, bringing to a close an intriguing chapter in the history of both companies and ending speculation over what would have created by far the world’s largest fresh produce company. Hein Deprez, executive chairman of Greenyard,
(Rijk Zwaan) 2016
Genuine Coconut
(World’s Coconut Trading)
Aurora Papaya (Aviv)
not be reached,” he said. “While the acquisition of
2014
Dole by Greenyard would have marked a significant
BBQ Grill Mix
Greenyard has the right strategy and prior ities in place to continue generating profitable growth and strengthening our global leadership position in fruit and vegetables. Greenyard’s possible takeover of Dole hit the headlines at the end of last year. At the time, the group said it was in advanced negotiations to acquire what was once the world’s biggest fruit and vegetable
Asoex sounds alert over weaker dollar
Knox
2015
milestone for both companies, we are confident that
2
2017
a transaction” that would benefit it financially stakeholders. “Nevertheless an agreement could
get the transaction completed
previous winners
said his company had “pursued all efforts to realise and strategically while also offering value for its
ABOVE—Hein Deprez said Greenyard had made every effort to
FLIA timeline
producer, offering a sum believed to be in the region of US$2.5bn, including a certain amount of debt. _MK
3
Agroban’s Swedish ripening facility
4
Polish apple decrease expected
(Eisberg Group) 2013
City Farming (Staay Food) 2012
Angello Pepper
(Syngenta) 2011
Limeburst Fingerlimes 2010
Aril Removal Tool (MTEX) 2009
TRADE In Chile, Asoex president
PRODUCTION Poland, the leading
Ronald Bown has warned that
apple producer in the European
grower returns could be adversely
Union, is anticipating a drop in
(Enza Zaden)
affected by the exchange rate this
production and exports for 2017/18
season if the currency situation
following the spring frosts that
2008
doesn’t improve. Bown put the
hit the country and many other
drop in the exchange rate since
European nations. According to
Sweet Green Paprika
Intense
(Nunhems) 2007
August 2017 down to the fall of the
LOGISTICS Agroban has become
a report based on fas Warsaw
dollar, the high price of copper and
the first Ecuadorean banana
statistics, apple production for
an excessively optimistic economic
company to invest in overseas
marketing year 2017/18 is expected
(FresQ)
outlook. “Currently, the exchange
ripening facilities with the opening
to fall 20 per cent year-on-year to
2006
rate is a little below the value that
of Agroban Nordic in Helsingborg,
allows for normal profitability in
Sweden. The move allows the
our sector,” he said. _MM
company to distribute its ownbranded bananas directly in the
2.8m tonnes. _CC
Vitaminis
Salanova
(Rijk Zwaan) Source: GPE
European market. _MM
08
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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Briefings
5
Hot weather hits Moroccan citrus PRODUCTION Morocco’s citrus exports are expected
to drop during marketing year 2017/18, negatively impacted by a poor harvest brought about by high temperatures in July and August last year. According to a recent usda gain report, tangerine/mandarin production is forecast to come in at 1m tonnes, down 20 per cent year-on-year, with exports falling 18 per cent to 420,000 tonnes. _cc
6
It’s Fresh! investment
Shelf-life
7
IG secures Modì apple licence for India
Russia and the EU, which took on a combined 373,000 tonnes of Moroccan mandarins/ tangerines in 2016/17, will again lead the way.
Orange production should hit 935,000 tonnes, down 10 per cent, with exports down 17 per cent to 100,000 tonnes. The EU dominates the Moroccan orange import market.
Jingold’s red kiwifruit signals further innovation MARKETING Italian kiwifruit
Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti
marketer Jingold will continue
(civ) has signed a landmark
to launch new products in the
over £7.6m in
commercial agreement with
near future after claiming what
investment from US
Mumbai-based company IG
it said was a world-first with the
produce freshness
International to develop sales
launch of a premium-quality
of its licensed club apple variety
red-fleshed variety. According
investment will
Modì on the Indian market.
to Jingold director Alessandro
enable the business
The three-year deal is expected
Fornari, Oriental Red offers more
to accelerate global
to involve the development
sweetness than the traditional
of a number of Italian-grown
green variety Hayward, as well
varieties deemed by the partners
as a tropical aftertaste that will
as “potentially suitable” for local
appeal to younger generations of
company It’s Fresh! has won
company AgroFresh Solutions. This
expansion and the development of planned new products, the group said.
_MK
consumption. _mK
In 2016/17, Russia took on 6,834 tonnes of lemons and limes from Morocco, with the EU taking on 1,737 tonnes, from an overall export total of 12,888 tonnes.
8
COMPANIES Italian fruit breeder
technology
Fresh lemon and lime production is expected to drop 10 per cent to 36,000 tonnes, with exports tumbling 31 per cent to 9,000 tonnes, the usda report predicted.
consumer. _mK
9
SanLucar rings in the changes
Joy Wing Mau celebrates 20th anniversary
COMPANIES Fresh produce supplier SanLucar has completed a major expansion of its headquarters in Puzol, Valencia, opening a new office building to accommodate its expanding workforce. The inauguration comes just a month after the company revamped its management team to prepare for its next phase of global growth. Michael Brinkmann, previously chief executive officer of SanLucar International, has Leaders from across the industry gathered in Shenzhen last month to mark the 20th birthday of Joy Wing Mau. The celebration included a lavish function, with guests from Capespan, Hortifrut, T&G Global, Driscoll’s and Zespri, along with representatives from the New Zealand, Australian, Chilean, and US embassies among those in attendance. mj
_
been appointed ceo for the entire SanLucar group and will lead operations worldwide. _mm
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 15:50
Briefings
produce lines
twitter feed
“We think we are on the right path, but our work is only just beginning and we plan to present other innovations soon.” Jingold director Alessandro Fornari says his group will continue to launch new products after recently unveiling its Oriental Red kiwifruit variety.
@RijkZwaan Our breeding programmes revolve around innovation. Get inspired by our Innovation Wall during this year’s @FRUITLOGISTICA in Berlin. Read more: http://bit.ly/2DjwJw8 09:55 – 16 January @tomfruitnet Theresa May announces plan to eliminate all avoidable waste within 25 years, but campaigners criticise the vagueness of the proposals and lack of concrete legislation. 12:25 – 11 January
“The season has gone very well and there is an increasing confidence among all growers about the future.” Silverland Farms’ Andre vermaak reports that Namibia exported 6.5m cartons of seedless grapes this season, up on 5.3m last year.
“Costa Rica remains a strong, reliable and versatile exporter of produce. We expect to close 2017 with over US$2.7bn in agri-exports.” Pedro Beirute, ceo of Procomer, looks ahead to a positive 2018 as Costa Rica continues to offer an increasingly diverse supply of produce items.
@chrisfruitnet All the photos from my visit this morning to Shanghai’s Huizhan market now up on my blog. Check them out at http://www.instagram. com/chrisfruitnet #Asiafruit #FreshIdeas 10:53 – 11 January @FRUIT_LOGISTICA The 10 nominees of the FRUIT LOGISTICA INNOVATION AWARD 2018 have been announced: http://bit.ly/2C2olgN #FruitLogistica 15:29 – 12 December
“People are abandoning farms because they are not profitable and there is little interest from the next generation.” President of agricultural union Ava-Asaja Cristóbal Aguado on news that the amount of barren land in Valencia increased 0.36 per cent in 2017.
numbers
90,985
75
3
Chilean avocado exports grew 42.9 per cent in volume and 61.7 per cent in value for JanuarySeptember 2017, to 90,985 tonnes and US$197.5m respectively.
Florida is facing up to producing its lowest citrus crop for 75 years. The latest usda report pegged the orange crop at 46m boxes, down 33 per cent on the previous season.
Spain is expected to register a 3 per cent increase in the value of fresh fruit and vegetables exports in 2017 on similar volumes to the previous year.
tonnes
per cent
US$2.5m
54
100
California Citrus Mutual has welcomed the allocation of US$2.5m in this year’s state budget to prevent an outbreak of Citrus Greening Disease.
A usda report has found that Canadian high bush blueberry production climbed 54 per cent from 55,737 tonnes in 2012 to 85,769 tonnes in 2016.
Brazil will once again increase its presence at this year’s Fruit Logistica. It has extended its pavilion by 100m2 and increased the number of exhibitors.
funding
10
years
per cent
square metres
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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fresh power
CHINA FRUIT LOGISTICA
Leading national trade show for the fresh produce business
Shanghai, 14 –16 May 2018
chinafruitlogistica.cn
引领全国 果蔬生鲜 行业的博 览盛会
CFL2018_Anzeige_eng_lay.indd 1
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BRIEFINGS
report —Packaging
aisles, and used cardboard punnets for smaller items like berries
War on plastic heats up in UK
instead of plastic ones. Shadow environment secretary Sue Hayman dismissed the government’s plan as a “rebranding” effort
london—With pressure mounting on the UK government to act on plastic
by the Tories and criticised its “weak
pollution, prime minister Theresa May has announced a plan to eliminate
proposals”.
all avoidable plastic waste within 25 years.
A chapter on holding the government to account on its green record apparently offered little way
by Tom Joyce
of doing so, while a section on how to make planning and development more environmentally friendly and
ore than 250,000 people in the UK had signed
ment secretary Michael Gove has
protect the green belt remained
a Change.org petition in mid-January lobby-
confirmed that the government will
blank, according to the Guardian.
ing the government to force the country’s
still consider such a scheme. Mean-
“We will set out our plans for a
retailers to cut out the use of plastic packaging on fruit
while, Friends of the Earth’s chief
new, world-leading independent stat-
and vegetables.
executive, Craig Bennett, urged
utory body to hold government to
“The UK government rightly stopped the super-
scepticism over the plan given the
account and give the environment
markets from offering plastic carrier bags for free and
government’s dire record on green
a voice,” May announced. “And our
tic waste within 25 years, with proposed policies includ-
issues such as air quality and fracking.
work will be underpinned by a strong
ing plastic-free aisles in supermarkets and a tax on
Indeed, just a week before the
takeaway containers. May has also promised to extend
prime minister’s speech, Michael
the 5p levy on plastic bags to smaller shops.
Gove
M
they also have the power to stop retailers from offering fruit and vegetables pre-packed in plastic packaging, which is not necessary and causes pollution,” the petition stated. The debate over whether the benefits of packaging, especially in extending a product’s shelf-life, outweigh the damage caused to the environment by waste and pollution has been raging for some time. However, pressure has been steadily growing on the government to act since the hugely popular Blue Planet II documentary series highlighted the plight of marine life in increasingly plastic-infested waters. In a speech on 11 January, prime minister Theresa May laid out her plan of eliminating all avoidable plas-
promote
However, Ben Stafford, cam-
the
paigns director at conservation
Other new green measures include more funding for
increased use of packaging when he
group wwf, remained critical. “We
spoke at the Oxford Farming Con-
would say that you need more com-
dren more about the environment. The prime minister
ference, telling the audience: “The
prehensive and ambitious legisla-
also called on retailers to increase sales of loose fruit
growth in trade which will meet
tion with far-reaching targets if
and vegetables.
those needs [of a growing popula-
you’re going to get into a position
However, campaign groups have argued that such
tion] will depend on more packag-
where you’re actually improving
aspirations need to be backed up by legislation and
ing, more journeys by air, land and
the environment in the longer
urged the government to promise not to dilute envi-
sea, more logistics hubs.”
term,” he told the Guardian. _ E
it trade deals, the Guardian reported.
p.12-13 12
to
plastics innovation and £10m for schools to teach chil-
ronmental standards in exchange for rapid post-Brex-
12
seemed
set of environmental principles.”
The Change.org petition recommended that supermarkets offered
Greenpeace bemoaned the lack of a plan for a depos-
brown paper bags instead of clear
ABOVE—Pre-cut and packaged avocados
it return scheme for plastic bottles, although environ-
plastic bags in the fresh produce
have come under fire from consumers
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 16:00
briefings
REPORT —Certification
Biocyclic Vegan Standard gets approval larnaca—The Biocyclic Vegan Standard has become an equal member of the ifoam Family of Standards as a global vegan organic standard. by Tom Joyce
ith
W the
late
of the Organic Marketing & Export
last year into the “ifoam
its
Network (omen), which are also
Family
controlled and certified according
Biocyclic
inclusion of
Vegan
Standards”, Standard
has been given a global dimen-
Other
countries
have
also
seen the establishment of pro-
world the chance to produce their
ducers’ associations that promote
crops according to purely plant-
and work according to the Biocy-
based
means,
clic Vegan Standard, including in
Eisen-
Germany and France. In the near
according bach,
to
network
That
Johannes
of
future, organic farms in Austria
bns Biocyclic Network Services,
and Switzerland, as well as certain
enabling growers to produce in
overseas projects, will also be cer-
an environmentally friendly and
tified according to the Standard.
resource-saving
coordinator
manner
while
being certified accordingly.
Biocyclic Network Services
to the Biocyclic Vegan Standard.
sion to offer farmers around the
principles.
ABOVE—Johannes Eisenbach of BNS
“With the introduction of the Biocyclic Vegan Standard and the
Interpretation of the Biocyclic
label “from biocyclic vegan agri-
Vegan Standard has been entrust-
culture”, it has now become possi-
ed to the Biocyclic Vegan Standard
ble for suppliers of both fresh and
and Approval Commission, which
processed products to label plant-
is chaired by bns Biocyclic Net-
based items with the reference to
work Services. At present, approx-
biocyclic vegan farming and thus
imately 60 certified smallholder
transparently communicate the
family farms in Greece and Cyprus
consistently organic and vegan
work according to the Biocyclic
characteristics of these products
Vegan Standard. Compliance with
to a growing segment of custom-
the guidelines is controlled and
ers,” bns stated in a press release.
certified by Bio Hellas as part of
For consumers, this provides
a supplementary overall audit of
complete traceability “from field to
the operation that goes beyond EU
table”, which enables them for the
organic inspections.
first time to recognise not only that
Produce from growers associat-
all ingredients of a product are of
ed with the Panhellenic Biocyclic
purely plant-based origin, but that
Vegan Network are sold exclusive-
they have already been grown
ly through member organisations
according to vegan principles. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 16:00
briefings
report —Sustainability
RIGHT—Rémy
Foissey has been rewarded for his Global Responsible Approach in Jonquières-SaintVincent, France
Pink Lady rewards sustainability montauban—Pink Lady Europe shows the way with its decision to reward six sustainable initiatives as part of its “Imagine” social responsibility programme. by Tom Joyce
P
ink
Lady
Europe
has
by Serrater in Girona, Spain; eco-conversion using
part of our daily life, and it takes us
is
insects by Mesfruits in Cavaillon, France; vog’s devel-
beyond the individual experience
rewarding six sustainable
opment of a regional communication tool promoting
and towards collective mobilisation,
initiatives as part of “Imagine”, its
the values of the South Tyrol apple sector in Italy; and
a key point in the philosophy of
social responsibility programme. The
Rémy Foissey’s Global Responsible Approach in Jon-
Pink Lady,” added Crabos. _ E
2,800 growers of Pink Lady in Europe,
quières-Saint-Vincent, France.
announced
that
it
as well as the 100 packhouses, 15 dis-
Two other initiatives were named as worthy of spe-
tributors and 11 approved nursery
cial mention. Journalists in the produce trade selected
gardeners, are known for developing
Benoît Laforgue of earl de Montfourcaud for an action
projects with a strong social dimen-
plan to protect the biodiversity of wetlands near the
sion. The aim of Imagine is to further
company’s orchards, while Pink Lady Club members
bolster these efforts in terms of social
chose Robert-Pierre Cechetti of Les Vergers de Mauguio
progress, environmental protection
for the company’s sponsorship of food banks to fight
and economic efficiency.
waste.
Out of 20 French, Spanish and Italian
applications,
presenting
members proud again, and to share the amazing things
projects on innovation, environ-
that are done in the orchards, so as to spread our best
mental protection, social progress
practices and highlight the people who are committed
and the younger generation, Pink
to innovating and guaranteeing the excellence of Pink
Lady Europe has awarded prizes
Lady apples,” said Didier Crabos, chairman of the Pink
for the six best sustainable initia-
Lady Europe Association. “It’s a cornerstone of the Pink
tives in the sector, with the winners
Lady adventure: shared progress.”
presented at an annual meeting in Montauban, France.
14
p.14.indd 14
“For us, the goal of this programme is to make our
The winning projects will be highlighted in a broad European trade press campaign and examined by the
The professional selection com-
technical working groups organised by Pink Lady as
mittee chose four promising proj-
part of its social responsibility programme. “It’s also a
ects: an in-depth social programme
way of showing that social responsibility is an integral
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 18:55
Colombian fresh produce exports are on the rise!
26-27 June 2018 – Bogotá
Fruitnet Forum Colombia, a brand new networking event, explores Colombia’s export potential and looks at the trading opportunities in one of Latin America’s biggest produce markets. Producing a wide range of high-quality fruits and vegetables, Colombia is one of the most enticing new players in the fresh produce business.
Global buyers and Colombian suppliers come together at Fruitnet Forum Colombia
fruitnetforumcolombia.com For further information and to find out more about sponsorship opportunities contact events@fruitnet.com
organised by
@ffcolombia
supported by Part of Fruitnet Media International 132 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2LB, United Kingdom. Tel +44 20 7501 3700 | Fax + 44 20 7501 0306 | fruitnet.com
FFColombia2018.indd 1
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BRIEFINGS
report —Salads
GAC opens salad innovation centre valencia—Projects to develop new baby leaf lettuce and microgreen production and improve sustainability are already underway at the new facility. by Maura Maxwell
G
rupo Alimentario Citrus
Batavia Green and Lollo Rosso using
(gac) has officially opened
a low-volume hydroponic substrate
its €1.3m Agronomic Inno-
and mobile aerial irrigation system.
vation Centre in Montserrat, Valencia.
The method uses up to 60 per cent
The highly automated research
less water than open field cultiva-
facility will focus on developing
tion and optimises the use of fer-
more efficient and sustainable pro-
tilisers by deploying only the exact
duction methods, as well creating
amount needed without contami-
new varieties that respond to cur-
nating the soil.
rent food trends, such as baby leaf lettuce and microgreens. Following an inaugural ceremony attended by local dignatories
duces 2,000kg of baby leaf lettuce a week, most of which
a growing profile in national and
is transported to the Ribarroja plant of gac’s fresh-cut
international cuisine, due to their
division, Verdifresh, 20km away.
distinctive
aroma,
flavour
and
and industry members, gac presi-
The centre also has a 1,264m2 warehouse equipped
colour. Current trials with micro-
dent Joaquín Ballester Martinavar-
with temperature controlled chambers for sowing and
greens focus on varieties of brocco-
ro gave guests a tour of the facility
pre-germination, that can also be used for artificial
li, mustard, radish and kale sprouts.
to showcase some the projects that
lighting tests.
the company has lined up.
The objective is to sell this prod-
Among the most innovative projects being devel-
uct in its live state (without cutting
Located on a 160,000m2 site, the
oped in this part of the facility is a closed hydroponic
or processing), to maintain moisture
facility includes a 12,160m2 green-
cultivation system for leaf production, which recycles
and freshness. _ E
house that can house up to 10m
practically 100 per cent of the water and does not con-
plants, allowing for trials to be car-
taminate the soil. If successful, the system will be rolled
ried out under controlled climat-
out commercially.
ic conditions. The state-of-the-art
16
The greenhouse currently pro-
“The
facility
allows
the
company
to
test
structure has a remote control
new crops that respond to current food trends,
system to manage heating and fer-
such as the demand for new flavours, textures
tigation.
and colours in the world of salads,” gac said.
Some months ago the company
Among these new crops developed by the centre are
started trialing production of baby
microgreens, vegetable shoots that have a high con-
leaf lettuce varieties Batavia Red,
centration of nutritional properties and are gaining
TOP LEFT & ABOVE—gac president
Joaquín Ballester Martinavarro (right) shows local dignatories around the new facility during the inaugural ceremony
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 13:44
Tailor made inspiration at
Last year, Rijk Zwaan opened its Retail Experience Center in Berlin. The substantial knowledge and experience about the fresh produce departments at retailers which Rijk Zwaan gained, and the success and failures of product introductions or consumer acceptance form the basis for this Retail Center. The second season of the Retail Center starts during Fruit Logistica. Visit us in Hall 1.2, stand D-05 and get your entrance ticket to the Retail Center. More information on www.rijkzwaan.com
Retail Center Eurofruit 210x297_February 2018 v1.indd 1
12-1-2018 12:18:25
BRIEFINGS
report —Fruit Logistica Innovation Award
Lucky 13 T berlin—The industry’s annual trip to Berlin provides the opportunity for one innovative product to land the prestigious Fruit Logistica Innovation Award.
he number 13 is traditionally seen as unlucky, but it will represent quite the opposite for one company at this year’s Fruit Logistica in Berlin. That is because 2018 marks the thirteenth time that the
Fruit Logistica Innovation Award (flia) is being contested. Ten companies are hoping to join the list of previous winners, including the 2017 victor Rijk Zwaan, which landed the award for its Knox lettuce concept. “The flia has become the global fresh produce industry’s most important award,” said Wilfried Wollbold, global brand manager for Fruit Logistica. “It will be presented for the thirteenth time in 2018 and recognises outstanding innovations across the entire fresh produce supply chain, from production to the point
by Carl Collen
of sale. The innovations can be products, services or technical advances.” The winner of the award is selected by the more than 75,000 trade visitors from over 130 countries attending the exhibition, with each person invited to cast their vote for the flia on the first two days of the trade fair (7-8 February). The ten nominated innovations (see below) will be presented in special exhibits at two locations, in the passageway between Halls 20 and 21 and in CityCube Berlin, Hall B, with the winners announced on the final day of the show (9 February).
Adora HM Clause, Spain: A new dark brown variety of the Marmande tomato. Its original colour and attractive shape make it an immediate eye-catcher. The Marmande is a traditional ribbed beef tomato that ripens very early. The Adora stands out from other Marmande tomatoes because of its balanced but intense sweet-and-sour taste. It is also notable for its excellent shelf-life, firm flesh and nutritional properties.
18
H2Hybrid
In-field Laboratory for
H2Hydroponics, Spain: A patented nursery and irriga-
Agricultural Testing
tion system for hydroponic plant breeding, suitable for
Croptimal, Israel: A mobile unit for carrying out
greenhouse cultivation, vertical farms and aquapon-
accurate real-time practical tests on crops, soil and
ics. The water supplying the roots of the plants in this
water. Field tests in this compact laboratory can
system is enriched with oxygen. As a result, the volume
reduce testing times to a matter of minutes rather
of water required in the plant growth process can be
than days. The system is equipped to provide com-
reduced by up to 80 per cent. The synchronised oxygen
prehensive material analysis of nutrients and impu-
and temperature management system also reduces
rities. The quality of the results is consistent and can
power consumption by up to 25 per cent.
be used immediately.
»
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 13:55
together with 同期举办
Asia’s fresh produce trading hub AsiaWorldExpo, Hong Kong 亚洲新鲜 果蔬行业 贸易中心 2018年9月 5– 7 日 中国香港 亚洲国际 博览馆
5– 7 September 2018
ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA Fruitnet_AFL2018_210x297.indd 1
www.asiafruitlogistica.com 11.08.2017 08:29:37
BRIEFINGS
LogoFrucht Kellermeister Manns, Germany: Fruit and vegetables of
Scheufelen Grass
any shape or size, including those with round surfaces,
Paper/Greenliner
can now be accurately and sharply printed with a special
Papierfabrik Scheufelen, Germa-
neutral, water-resistant food colouring which conforms to
ny: Ecological packaging materi-
foodstuff legislation and is also gentle on the product. The
al made of up to 50 per cent fresh
shelf life of the fruit remains unaffected. It can be used for
grass fibre. The fully recyclable
Koppert Biological Systems, Neth-
a wide range of different designs and marketing concepts.
and biodegradable corrugated base
erlands: A small bag made from 100
paper can be used for corrugated
per cent compostable film devel-
and liner layers. Using grass fibre as
oped for the biological control of
a sustainable raw material, energy
thrips or white flies on a wide vari-
and water consumption can be
ety of crops. It contains a breeding
drastically reduced.
medium for the predatory mites
Ulti-Mite Swirski
Amblyseius swirskii. Due to the use of thin foil, the bag is well protected from the weather and can thus be also used outdoors.
Malver Turatti, Italy: An electromechanical unit for the automatic peeling of pitted and halved mangoes with an average capacity of some 48 pieces per minute. The machine is easy to operate and maintain and can be integrated into a pitting system to create a compact processing unit. All varieties of mango, from South American to African and Asian, can be processed simultaneously at high speed with a minimum amount of waste.
The Alberts Smoothie Station Alberts powered by Greenyard,
Pook Coconut Chips
Belgium: A vending machine using
Wasabi Giftbox
frozen fruit and vegetables to
East4Fresh–Color2Food, Nether-
make 100 per cent natural smooth-
lands: A gift box made of untreated
ies without added sugar. Con-
wood containing a 40g to 60g genuine
sumers can either choose from a
fresh wasabi rhizome together with a
menu of smoothie recipes or use a
stainless-steel wasabi rasp. Many
smartphone app to create their own
wasabi products involve very little
individual mixes tailored to their
fresh wasabi and often contain extra
personal taste or nutritional needs.
additives – the wasabi in the Wasabi
The machine involves a self-cleaning
Giftbox is 100 per cent fresh. _ E
system and the cup size is adjustable.
PookSpaFoods, Germany: Crunchy natural crisps made from fresh Thai coconut. The three flavours, Original Sea Salt, Mango Sea Salt and Chocolate Sea Salt are available in bags with a filled weight of 40g. The coconut chips are vegan, gluten-free and free from preservatives.
20
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 13:55
#nonstopfreshfacts
09.We handle more fruit and vegetables than Schiphol handles people. aartsenfruit.com When it comes to fresh, aartsenfruit goes the extra mile. We offer everything in the world of fruit and vegetables. Literally. Every day we make sure that our range of fresh fruit and vegetables from around the world find their way to our customers. In fact aartsenfruit is the international gateway for fresh fruit and vegetables. With destinations in the Benelux and Asia. Feel free to get more facts about aartsenfruit on our website or call us at +31(0)76 – 52 48 100 (NL) or +852 39 75 83 35 (Asia).
AAR16048_ADV_A4_B2B_WT2.indd 9
15/05/2017 13:11
BRIEFINGS
report —Germany
Hansen returns in northern Germany
standards, but we also guarantee the traceability of our vegetables – with detailed statements on the field location, product type, soil checks, packing date and storage location of the
friedrichskoog—Recent investments in state-of-the-art technology are apparently keeping one of Germany’s leading vegetable suppliers ahead of the game and building its export business.
products.” Reliable and flexible With many of its products available for 12 months of the year, consistent
by Mike Knowles
and continuous quality supply of a broad range of vegetables emerges as Hansen’s primary strength, appar-
he Dithmarschen, in the
marketing cabbage and root vegetables – primarily white
ently attracting customers in food
west of Germany’s north-
cabbage, red cabbage, cauliflower, pointed cabbage, savoy
retail, wholesale and processing.
ernmost state Schleswig-
cabbage and Brussels sprouts, but also carrots, celery
“For many years now, we have been
Holstein, has a lot going for it when it
and potatoes. Sören von Horsten, one of the group’s two
exporting our Dithmarsch vegetables
comes to vegetable production. With
managing directors, believes the soil beneath those prod-
to Europe, especially to the UK, east-
a mixture of young, nutrient-rich
ucts and the conditions around them contribute to their
ern Europe and Scandinavia,” says
marsh soils and a cool, healthy sea cli-
quality. “In short: [these] perfect conditions make Dith-
Von Horsten.
mate, its vegetables are said to grow
marschen one of the most important vegetable regions in
more slowly, additional time that
Germany, if not Europe,” he suggests.
T
apparently allows them to develop
That’s not to say that producing and selling the pro-
technology it uses to grow, harvest,
firmer cell structures and store less
duce is an easy job. “Every day we work to get the best
sort, store and refrigerate. A semi-
water. In many ways, therefore, Dith-
out of the Dithmarsch soil. We have the same high quali-
automated cabbage-washing system,
marschen offers guaranteed fresh-
ty standards in the processing and marketing of our prod-
for example, can weigh individu-
ness.
ucts, which is why our vegetables are only produced by
al heads and segregate the products
Hansen
selected farmers, exclusively,” Von Hortsen points out. Key
according to customer specifica-
has been at home in Dithmarschen
to the group’s success, he adds, is the support it provides
tions. In September and October, mil-
since 1952 and has developed into a
in terms of planning production, checking growth and
lions of carrots are plucked from the
modern, internationally active com-
quality, harvesting and processing, and then marketing.
ground using state-of-the-art tech-
pany. It specialises in growing and
“Not only do we exceed national and international quality
nology that then removes the green-
Wholesale
22
Also crucial to that equation on a daily basis is the modern, efficient
company
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.22-23.indd 22
17/01/2018 16:21
BRIEFINGS
er, soil residues are removed and the
German paper supplier Scheufelen says a new
carrots polished. The so-called Vege-
range of products composed of up to 50 per cent
Polisher removes the outer skin,
fresh fibre material made from sun-dried grass
so that the carrot glows beautiful-
will enable a “dramatic reduction” in water use
ly orange at the end. The remaining
and “massive energy savings”. With regulations
wonky or broken carrots are sorted
apparently likely to reduce the volume of
out, because only the premium prod-
mineral oils permitted in food packaging in
ucts are sold. Depending on the cus-
the near future, the Scheufelen Gras Paper
tomer’s requirements, [our] exquisite
products are said to require less than a litre of
Dithmarsch carrots are packed in
water per tonne of grass-paper pulp, compared
bags or trays and delivered to the
with a few thousand litres per tonne of wood
retail trade.”
fibre pulp; 136kw/h per tonne compared with
Hansen’s cabbage is also in top
up to 6,000kw/h; and no process chemicals
ery and soil before conveying them to
form 365 days a year, he adds. “In
whatsoever. The material can be used to produce
large wooden crates.
summer, it is harvested fresh, and
containerboard, liners and folding cartons, and
According to Von Horsten, recent
state-of-the-art cooling technology
can carry graphical designs.
investment in modern cooling tech-
makes it available for the rest of
nology is paying off. “While some of
the year in consistently high, pre-
the goods are marketed directly from
mium quality.” _ E
the field, the greater part are stored in modern refrigerated warehouses at a constant 0.3°C for processing and dispatch over the winter months,” he explains. “The product remains fresh and the high quality is maintained. Before the carrots are sold, howev-
p.22-23.indd 23
OPPOSITE—Hansen produces a broad
range of cabbage varieties ABOVE—The company uses modern
technology to harvest millions of carrots
17/01/2018 16:21
briefings
report —Mexico
Kindred spirits mexico city—Inverafrut’s Hiram Herver tells eurofruit why the company’s new Ultra Premium tequila brand is the perfect accompaniment to its Persian limes. by Maura Maxwell
every year. “Limes are being used more widely – and not just in cocktails. They are also gaining ground in the restaurant and catering industry,” Herver continues. The
company
has
steadily
as well as guacamole and avocado
extended its international sales
oil,. Limes, however, remain its core
network, which today counts offic-
business.
es in the Netherlands and the UK and, most recently, South Korea
nverafrut has used the association between
Mexico’s leading exporter of Per-
and California. Russia and the uae
three of Mexico’s most emblematic products
sian limes, supplying the European
are next on its list of markets to
– tequila, beer and lime – to its advantage ever
market through 52 weeks a year.
conquer.
since it first started exporting Persian limes in 2007. Now
I’m not aware of any other Mexi-
the company has gone a step further with the launch of
can lime exporter that can claim to
lenges,
its own line of premium Tequila and Agave beer.
do that, “says the company’s Euro-
expand the range of premium Mexi-
pean director Hiram Herver.
can products we offer our customers
The Veracruz-based grower-exporter started out
p.24.indd 24
Herver says demand is increasing
“We pride ourselves on being
I
24
“We supply Persian limes through 52 weeks a year, shipping up to 40 containers a week during the peak season”
“The new year brings new chalchief
among
them
to
shipping mangoes to Europe before expanding its
During peak season the compa-
and to open up new markets, particu-
export portfolio with other fruits like pineapples,
ny ships up to 40 containers a week
larly for our Ultra Premium tequila,”
watermelons, avocados, bananas, papayas and limes,
to its customers worldwide and
says Herver. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 16:24
Untitled-2 1
17/01/2018 11:53
features Keynote —Nitin Agrawal, Euro Fruits
Silver jubilee, silver service mumbai—In just a quarter of a century, Euro Fruits has managed to secure a place as India’s leading table grape exporter. Here, the company’s founder and managing director Nitin Agrawal explains how. by Chris White
T
26
wenty-five years have passed since
was to invite you to our packhouse
same set of overseas receivers and
you set up Euro Fruits, and it’s almost
so that you could personally cover
the same set of suppliers for the
that long since I came to visit you at
this interview today. The coinci-
smallest of items and services for
your packhouse in Nasik, when I
dence and the magic in our names
more than two decades. At the same
was an editorial assistant at Euro-
helped us reach where we are today.
time, we have managed to double
fruit. How time flies, and how things
Our motto as a company is to ‘under-
the length of our supply from weeks
change: our magazine group has
promise and over-deliver’.
16 to 22 to weeks eight to 22.
grown significantly in the last quar-
Right from the word go we
ter century, and your business has
always believed in focus: on table
India was the talk of the town in the
grown by leaps and bounds. What
grapes, on the long-term, on our
early 1990s when you were almost the
did you do right?
relationships, on our people, and
only suppliers in the market. Things
on quality rather than quantity.
have become much more competi-
Nitin Agrawal: The first thing I did
We also focused on understanding
tive since then. You have had to raise
right was to venture into the table
post-harvest technology, which is
your game, haven’t you?
grape export business; and I pre-
something we learned at UC Davis.
sume another right thing I did right
In that same spirit, we have had the
NA: Yes, that’s a fact, and we are very
»
1992/93
1993/94
1994/95
1995/96
1996/97
1997/98
1998/99
Euro Fruits’ parent company GM Exports sends first ever table grape exports to the UK from India.
Unique, state-ofthe-art packhouse opens at Nasik, supported by USAID.
Formal postharvest training for Euro Fruits’ top management at University of California, Davis.
First award and recognition from Indian government agency Apeda.
Nitin Agrawal personally oversees continued expansion of production in Sangli.
Benchmarking visits to table grape packhouses in South Africa, Chile and Australia.
Euro Fruits achieves highest credit rating in India’s table grape industry.
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.26-29.indd 26
17/01/2018 16:31
features
ABOVE—Euro Fruits managing director
Nitin Agrawal and his team have succeeded in connecting a highly
porate social compliance. We fund
of their food retail customers. Has
a English primary school, which
that all changed now, or do you still
started 10 years ago and was basi-
detect some concerns?
cally the first English Medium
committed grower base with
School of its kind in that rural
NA: We always considered food
region, giving free education to our
safety to be of paramount impor-
farmers’ and our workers’ children.
tance. We work with a dedicated
proud of what India as a country and we as Euro Fruits
Today I am very proud to say that
and committed group of grape grow-
have achieved. We are not just suppliers of grapes, we
we have 250 students and they all
ers who are educated on European
are suppliers of ‘Responsible Grapes’, which means we
speak fluent English. I must here
compliance standards and strictly
aim to offer our very best professional and personalised
say big thanks to my wife and my
adhere and implement the same. In
services to each of our customers. In doing so, our key
two lovely daughters who really
fact, India is now the only country
objective has been to meet the private-label require-
supported me in this venture.
in the world which has the unique
ments of the big supermarkets in Europe.
supportive, satisfied customers
Today, the school is really growing
Grapenet System of 100 per cent pre-
The first step was to develop a very committed base of
and we feel extremely proud of it
harvest checks. It’s a collaborative
growers who were able to accept and work with change.
that we are able to spread the mes-
effort at industry level that involves
They have helped us to develop field application trials to
sage of free education.
all stakeholders.
The points of difference which have given Euro Fruits
It makes perfect sense to focus on
own
credibility and competitive edge are the implementa-
quality and service to be able better
traceability system, grower aware-
tion of certifications and accreditations across food
to compete in the market, but India
ness and capacity building, promo-
safety, due diligence, social compliance, environmental
did have the added complication
tion of ipm practices amongst our
management, and sustainability.
that its food safety record wasn’t
grower group, as well as a well doc-
For Euro Fruits, sustainability and csr is an extremely
the best – Indian grape exporters
umented and statistically efficient
important initiative. We are also very active in our cor-
had problems with the EU and some
sampling methodology.
improve the taste profile of the table grapes we supply.
At Euro Fruits, we now have our proprietary
plot-to-punnet
» »
1999/2000
2000/01
2001/02
2002/03
2003/04
2004/05
2005/06
First ever 10x500 punnet packout.
Euro Fruits forms long-term partnership with Dutch importer Timerfruit.
Grower team embarks on another benchmarking visit to South Africa.
Company becomes first Indian exporter to pack for European retail private label.
Another first for India, Eurepgap certification, and Euro Fruits joins Apeda’s residue monitoring programme.
Zero-interest housing finance scheme announced for all employees. Company also secures brc certification.
New corporate office and brand new, highly advanced packhouse open in Mumbai and Sangli respectively.
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.26-29.indd 27
27
17/01/2018 16:31
features
in an absolute focus to deliver consistent best value across all aspects of the business. Euro Fruits is most connected to the global grape world with regular interactions with growers, packers, exporters, importers, retailers in this segment across the globe. It exposes us to best practice and learning opportunities. Your focus on Europe is clear in the group name. Yet we see huge growth in Asia, not to mention in India. NA: Over the past few years we have been developing the market in countries like China, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong etc. Indeed, south-east Asia is definitely very interesting and promising, and we see big growth coming from this region. New emerging destinations for Indian grapes such as the US and Canada are also very promising and interesting. We also see great opportunity to supply our branded grapes on the domestic market here in India.
How important has it been to devel-
it is extremely important to have a personal relationship
op close contacts with European
with each and every client that we work with. I always
food retailers?
believed that this business is a people business. I thoroughly enjoy interacting and meeting all our clients. I am
28
NA: We have a unique and rare dis-
grateful and thankful to all wonderful people across who
tinction of working with the same set
have wholeheartedly extended their support and placed
of clients over the past several years.
their trust in us.
TOP LEFT—Nitin Agrawal has led Euro
Fruits since its foundation ABOVE—Technology plays a key role in
This has been possible only because
I would contend that Timerfruit-Euro Fruits is a
of 100 per cent transparency, honesty
unique example in the fresh produce world of a lasting
OPPOSITE—Attention to detail has also
and trust-based relationships. For me,
relationship based on trust and transparency. We believe
been a factor in the company’s growth
securing product quality
»
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
Euro Stars award recognition attracts attention in Europe. Primary school established as csr project.
Renovation of Nasik packhouse and greater encouragement for women farmers.
First Indian exporter to be bsci compliant. Further csr initiatives for Nasik healthcare and disabled pupils.
Development of inhouse IT system to manage Globalgap records.
Launch of Euro Fruits Responsible Grapes commitment.
Euro Fruits becomes first Indian grape exporter to achieve FairTrade certification.
Company obtains UN Women Gender Equity Seal and European Water Stewardship Standard.
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.26-29.indd 28
17/01/2018 16:32
features
What about in Europe?
Where do you see your business and the market heading in the next 5-10 years?
NA: Euro Fruits is the leading premium-segment supplier of Indian
NA: Our only dream, desire and ambition is that every
grapes in the UK, Scandinavia and
year Euro Fruits continues to do good work for our sup-
Europe. We have unique compe-
pliers, our farmers and, of course, our customers. We
tencies that are the most relevant
want to put a smile on the entire value chain, that is to
in the European retail markets.
say we want everyone associated with Euro Fruits to feel
We see opportunities for India in
very happy. For us, our integrity is of utmost importance.
these challenges. An India-EU trade
We value our reputation a lot and we only dream and
agreement is at an advanced stage
desire that Euro Fruits should be regarded as the most
of discussion, and we think Brexit
professional, the most honest, the most reputed compa-
provides us with an opportunity to
ny in the world.
redefine our trading relationship with the UK.
Euro Fruits cannot be compared with some of the other big producers or players in the world. We are a very small company. In terms of our reputation and integrity, however, our dream is that we should be regarded as the most reputed and trustworthy company in the world. _ E
p.26-29.indd 29
2013/14
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
2018
India’s first and only grape packhouse to be certified under Marks & Spencer’s Field to Fork scheme.
Company offers farmers financial support following major hailstorm in March 2015.
First Indian exporter to work on LEAF UK standard for compliance at supply farms.
Euro Fruits celebrates its Silver Jubilee in 2017.
Euro Fruits marks anniversary with special feature in eurofruit’s February 2018 edition.
17/01/2018 16:32
features
report —Euro Fruits 25
Partner perspectives london—eurofruit speaks to several of Euro Fruits’ commercial partners to understand better its recent success and identify opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for India’s leading grape exporter. by Mike Knowles
Eric Brückner Timerfruit, The Netherlands We might say that we were one of Euro Fruits’ first receivers on the Continent. I remember the first meeting with Nitin very well, when he first came to Rotterdam. He is a one-of-a-kind who is able to connect within seconds and able to stay in touch for a long long period. Due to this unique asset, he was the one who built a solid foundation under the Indian grape industry. He can be seen as a real pioneer who is still active in his field; and his eagerness to learn and to visit so many grape producers has managed to build a world-renowned company. Yes, Euro Fruits has made a very positive contribution to Timerfruit, and I hope vice-versa. Looking at the company’s recent grape impact report, it has been a remarkable journey. Not always a smooth path, but Nitin never gave up. The big part of his success was his eye for detail and perfectionism. If you walk into one of his packhouses in either Sangli or Nasik, you walk into the wonderful world of Euro Fruits. Every detail has been taken care of and every time it is better than the visit before. Indeed, an example to many other Indian packhouses. Over the last 25 years, the Indian industry grew from a few containers to over 8,000 last year. Around the year 2000, the switch from 4.5kg loose to
“The big part of Nitin’s success was his eye for detail and perfectionism. At the packhouses, every detail is taken care of”
10x500g gave sales a big boost. Nitin’s strategy was to pack his “diamonds” in punnets, and the supermarkets started to appreciate Indian grapes more than other origins. What needs to happen in future is consolidation of the number of exporters in India. We are seeing a trend already, but the fragmentation is just too much and not in line with what is happening here in European markets, where the number of players is just coming down. The future for India is looking great and I forsee that they will export more to other markets outside Europe. The time frame in which India [finds itself] is just perfect, and production skills are getting better and better. We can’t wait to declare the season open! ABOVE—Eric Brückner (centre) with Bharat Tosar and Nitin Agrawal
30
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.30-34.indd 30
19/01/2018 09:19
features
Joost Claessens Albert Heijn, The Netherlands I am responsible for fruit sourc-
stand each other’s business and
Christian Østerbye
ing at Dutch retailer Albert Heijn.
constantly need to listen to each
Coop Trading, Denmark
In this role, I also work with Euro
other. I think Euro Fruits has
We have been working with Euro Fruits for more than
Fruits as one of our Indian grape
proved to be a solid partner with
a decade and built an open relation based on trust and
suppliers. At Albert Heijn, we truly
a similar business perspective as
understanding of each other’s challenges and opportu-
value our relationships with sup-
Albert Heijn.
nities across our particular competitive positions.
pliers and therefore aim to work
Euro Fruits shows a sincere interest in its clients
together for the long run.
In the Dutch market, you see more and more that the Indian
and the pressures that they are working under in their
I think a big part [of Euro Fruits’
season is becoming highly com-
markets. They acknowledge that together we have a
success] is related to its focus on
petitive, with regularly low retail
responsibility – towards growers, clients and the end
quality. Competing with Chile, for
and promotional prices. Staying
consumers – that reaches longer into the future than
example, you need to focus on qual-
competitive in such a market can
just a given season. This is reflected in quality, food
ity as they also offer a high-quality
be challenging. It is also good to
safety and operational excellence.
product. It is that continuous bal-
differentiate by combining qual-
Opportunities lie in such challenges. At this moment,
ance between quality and price that
ity and price.
Indian exporters are in a situation where value needs to
is done so well at Euro Fruits. In the
All around the world, I see many
be added to their varietal portfolio. We need to see more
coming year, we will focus on India
developments in breeding pro-
than ‘just’ white seedless grapes from India; new varieties
and Euro Fruits again in this partic-
grammes with new varieties. In
with better eating quality will be key for Indian exporters
ular window.
the coming years we are also plan-
to keep margins through added value, as their costs are
What factors have contributed
ning a trip to India so I am look-
increasing alongside the economic growth India is expe-
to its success? We already touched
ing forward to see with my own
riencing.
upon quality but furthermore
eyes how the grape industry is
Euro Fruits should keep listening to its clients’ needs
consistency of quality is impor-
developing. Obviously for me it is
and experiences with different varieties, and search for
tant and also consistency in busi-
also interesting to visit what is a
solutions that enable them to obtain licences for variet-
ness is key. Having already worked
beautiful country and people, and
ies with added value.
together for a long time, we under-
understand Indian culture.
Hind Terminals
EF February 2018.pdf
1
19/01/2018
»
09:17
Rail
Road
Logistic Parks
Office Address: HIND TERMINALS PVT. LTD., 501 ‘A’ Salcon Aurum Building, Jasola District Center, New Delhi-110025 Contact Person: Mr. Madhukant Dani, Manager –Projects | Mob.- 9582760170 | Email:madhukant.dani@hindterminals.com
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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31
19/01/2018 09:19
features
Mauro Stipa Øyvind Briså
Ilip, Italy
Bama, Norway
We have been supplying Rpet pun-
I see a great opportunity for
nets for many years. Euro Fruits was
Indian table grapes in the UK, Scan-
Euro Fruits is a very professional company. We have
among the first Indian companies to
dinavia and the EU. Russia too is a
challenged them on taste, on product appearance and
export seedless grapes to the EU, and
huge market, although potential-
on logistics, and they always meet our challenges with
they have consistently contributed
ly there are some risky deals. For
a good attitude. Year by year, we have seen big improve-
to opening the Indian market for our
China, maybe there is still a lot to
ments in quality. This last season, we got a compliment
EU market-certified packaging.
improve in terms of the economic
from our biggest client that they had more or less no
Euro Fruits has focused on consis-
and political relationships between
waste during the Indian season and were indeed satisfied.
tent-quality grapes, which they have
Asia’s two giants. The main chal-
The volume of white seedless grapes from India has
achieved by constantly challeng-
lenge is to stand out from the crowd
in general been down over the last few years, the main
ing and improving internal proce-
– last season there were too many
reason being uneven quality and taste through the year
dures. Nitin Agrawal regularly visits
Indian grape exporters, almost 100
in comparison with red seedless. However, there are
the world’s leading grape-producing
– because European consumers are
some new varieties on the market that are very promis-
regions, the best packhouses and the
ready to choose, and willing to pay
ing and as it is now, India has no access to those varieties.
best farms, which helps Euro Fruits
for, a premium new Euro Fruits vari-
But they have already taken steps in the right direc-
to maintain technical and business
ety with an appealing packaging
tion by approaching the international breeders of the
practices that are modern and effi-
concept, over what have historical-
varieties we request.
cient in line with the latest trends.
ly been cheap and medium-quality Indian grapes. Euro Fruits must keep investing in marketing and new cultivars. It is among the very best Indian exporters, with enough experience and a consolidated sales network to lead a far-reaching rebranding process for Indian grapes.
32
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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features
Veli-Matti Puhakka S Group, Finland sok (S Group) has had a business relationship with Euro Fruits, which is one of our most important table grape suppliers, for several years. I believe that Nitin has succeeded in his determined effort to bring Euro Fruits up to the level of a world-class supplier in terms of quality and reliability. References taken from other suppliers world-
“I believe there are still opportunities for Indian grapes as they look to expand markets and grow volumes”
wide have brought them to a different level than their competitors in India. Nitin has not only been able to build the processes, gather the
Andrew Mellonie
farmers and find the customers, but
Marks & Spencer, UK
most important build trust among
Euro Fruits supplies Marks and
all the people around the business.
Spencer with high-quality white
I believe that there are still
grapes during a period of the season
opportunities for Indian grapes as
in which supply from other coun-
they look to expand markets and
tries is challenging. They are excep-
grow volumes. The challenge that
tionally proactive and technically
the whole business is facing in India
very strong. We have worked with
is the development and farming of
them for several seasons and they
new varieties. There is a growing
always push the boundaries.
demand for special varieties, which
The single biggest challenge for
India has so far been unable to fulfil.
the Indian table grape industry is its
The issue of varieties can be
current variety portfolio. In the last
complex due to exclusivities, but
five years there has been an acceler-
if those can be overcome, there is
ation in varietal development glob-
a huge opportunity for whoever
ally. India has been unable to gain
can start growing these varieties
access to these due to concerns
in India. While Euro Fruits consists
about legal respect of plant breed-
of small-scale farmers, it would be
ers’ rights. The whole industry needs
easy to make some test plantations
to lobby government to protect
and find the most suitable varieties
breeders’ rights and give confidence
for Indian soil.
to allow plantings of new varieties.
»
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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33
19/01/2018 09:19
features
Q&A
Bharat Tosar director, euro fruits Bharat, you’ve built a reputation in the produce business as an expert in food safety. How would you describe your experience of working for the company? I was associated with Euro Fruits even before it was formally born in 1993. While my core competence is accounting and finance, Euro Fruits offered me the great opportunity to go far beyond – across strategic thinking through to execution on all facets of the fresh produce business with global exposure. When it comes to food safety, how have you
Nanette Karttunen
ensured that Euro Fruits can meet the standards
Kesko Corporation, Finland
34
Euro Fruits has been one of Kesko’s
variety. India has a specific supply
required by international customers?
suppliers for Indian grapes under
window but grapes are naturally
Euro Fruits realised early on that in the
our private label Pirkka since 2010.
competing with sales of other fruit
commodity business of fresh produce, we need key
We have been very happy with the
and vegetables in the same period.
differentiators to stay ahead in the market. Starting
cooperation and their dedication
Extending the Indian season from
this initiative in 2003, Euro Fruits became the first
to customers’ demands on quali-
either the early or the latter part of
Indian company to have Globalgap, brc, Fairtrade,
ty, food safety and sustainability
the season is always an opportuni-
iso14001, iso18001, bsci and eti-smeta export
issues.
ty, but without the right varieties
certification. Our csr projects in public health and
Success never comes without
this cannot happen. Ensuring food
primary education are role models for the industry
hard and persistent work, a strong
safety and sustainable production
and this has created a unique brand image for
desire to become the best and the
must be a continuous way of work-
Euro Fruits as the most proactive and responsible
ability to listen carefully to clients’
ing that is embedded in the entire
produce exporter. This approach has also made
demands and needs. Euro Fruits has
supply chain and where no risks
Euro Fruits India’s only Field to Fork-certified grape
been able to develop its operations
can be taken.
supplier to Marks & Spencer in the UK. We have now moved on to sustainability initiatives covering farm
in a consistent way over the past
I understand that negotiations
decades, learning from the best in
over new licensed varieties are
ethical compliance, water stewardship and gender
the industry, listening to clients and
ongoing and I do wish that these
equity.
setting very high goals from the very
prove to be successful for Euro
beginning.
Fruits. Pesticide legislation is also
What are you doing to improve Euro Fruits’
Varietal development is pretty
changing quite regularly and it’s
production and export operations as far as
vital for long-term success in the
vital that all suppliers keep good
environmental sustainability is concerned?
grape business and in order to keep
track of the eventual changes to
We are India’s only grape exporter with international
this category interesting in the
avoid any food crisis in the grape
environmental management standards certification.
future. Consumers and retailers
sector. Finally I want to wish Euro
We have identified the UK’s Linking Environment
are looking for better-tasting and
Fruits and Nitin’s entire team all the
and Farming (leaf) Marque Standard for
strong varieties that retain their
best for the next 25 years! _ E
compliance at our smallholder supply farms.
quality along the whole supply
Based on comprehensive procedures and support
chain all the way to the final con-
documentation, we are presently building awareness
sumer. This is going to be a chal-
and capacity for responsible, environmental
lenge for India in the future, since
vineyard management practices. The formal leaf
Thompson still remains the main
certification audits are expected during 2018.
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.30-34.indd 34
19/01/2018 09:19
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A4 FPI filler 2018.indd 1
10/01/2018 13:34
features
interview —Claus Lippert, HMH produce imports in China. Do you
Westfalia takes the long view
think there is the same scope to develop other markets such as India in a similar way? CL: Absolutely. The avocado is such a versatile and popular fruit and it
johannesburg—eurofruit talks to
fits in perfectly with a healthy life-
Claus Lippert, ceo of Westfalia Fruit
style and vegetable-rich diet. Did
International’s holding company hmh,
you know, for example, that avoca-
about the company’s expanding avocado
dos are ideal nourishment for dia-
production footprint and unlocking the
betics?
potential in new markets.
Does wfi have the breadth of supply to be able to ensure that it
by Maura Maxwell
meets the needs of its retail customers throughout the year?
FI’s link-up with Agricom is the latest move
CL: Absolutely. Gem is finding real
CL: wfi has the widest spread of
to shore up its Latin American supply base
traction and over time this ‘gour-
own production across the world.
and provides a firmer foothold in the region.
met’ avocado has the potential to
As a grower-supplier, with the addi-
How important is Latin America to you – both as a
become a very significant offering
tion of complementary sourcing
supply source and a market in its own right?
in the market. It is currently farmed
from other growers, retail custom-
by an elite group of licensed grow-
ers can be assured of supply from
ers throughout the world.
different sources at any given time.
W
Claus Lippert: Latin America is the centre of gravity in the avocado world. Therefore the investment in Agricom,
The eating quality of Gem is
This reduces the risk of disruption
as well as those in Mexico’s Aztecavo and Peru’s Incavo,
just wonderful, the fruit’s flesh sep-
due to natural disasters, port or
strengthens Westfalia’s position tremendously. The Latin
arates from the skin easier than
shipping delays and so on. It means
American markets are also very interesting as consumption
with other avocados, and the skin is
we can also always provide the
there is already high and growing rapidly. These markets are
thicker which often reduces bruis-
freshest fruit in the right windows.
often neglected as other companies focus purely on exports
ing. These are just some of its many
to the European Union and US, but Westfalia intends to
benefits.
position itself as a long-term leader in the region with our premium ripened product.
Until now, wfi’s core focus has been on the European market. What
How important is the Agricom deal in terms of helping
progress is the company making
Westfalia to develop its non-avocado programmes?
in newer markets like Asia and the Middle East?
CL: It provides a way of complementary diversification with high-value products, where synergies in marketing and dis-
CL: wfi has been present in the
tribution can be extracted.
Middle East and Asia for decades.
However, with our strong posi-
You recently completed the first phase of plantings at
tion now in Chile, Peru, Colombia,
your new production facility in Portugal, Westfalia Fruit
Mexico and California, the poten-
Iberia. Can you tell me more about the project?
tial in these markets can really be unlocked. The Middle East and
CL: We have completed the first 80ha of plantings and
India are also growing their avoca-
intend to continue establishing similar areas annually.
do consumption and present very
The first commercial crop will probably be ready in 2020.
interesting prospects.
36
I understand that Portugal will also play a crucial part in
It has taken just a few years for the
building volumes of your new Gem avocado. Outside South
avocado to rise from total obscu-
Africa, are you growing the variety in any other country?
rity to one of the most in-demand
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 13:17
features
FAR LEFT—Claus Lippert, CEO of HMH LEFT—WFI has high hopes for its new Gem
avocado variety BELOW—The company’s Colombian division,
Westsole, is a key pillar in its Latin American supply base
Finally, as one of the world’s best-known avocado
Westfalia teams up with Chile’s Agricom
brands, how do you plan to future-proof the business in order to ensure that Westfalia remains at the fore-
Westfalia Fruit International (wfi) and Chile’s Agricom have entered into
front of the industry in the coming decades?
an agreement to consolidate their position in the global avocado market and target new markets including Asia.
CL: We invest steadily in research and have long stood
The transaction will align the two organisations’ interests in the
at the forefront of innovation. wfi has the biggest
Americas in order to maximise synergies, building on their common
research capacity in the whole avocado world. Exciting
legacies of innovation and sustainability, while delivering a reliable supply
new developments are being established for the future.
of quality avocados and other produce to better serve their customers in
wfi also has a proud history ofs being socially and envi-
global markets, the companies said.
ronmentally responsible, which together with its com-
Founded in 1980 by entrepreneur Rodrigo Barros, Agricom pioneered
mercial success, positions the group very well for the
the production and export of Chilean fresh fruit to become one of the
long run. Our true customer focus has stood the test of
country’s leading fresh fruit exporters.
time and we have longstanding relationships with pre-
In 2005, the Santiago-based firm established a strategic alliance with
ferred retailers where we have added value to their
Aztecavo, a prominent Mexican-owned exporter of avocados. It also has
business in different ways. This will continue. _ E
interests in other Latin American countries including Peru, where it works with grower-exporter Incavo. As well as avocados, Agricom exports lemons, mandarins, stonefruit, apples, cherries, berries, pomegranates and nuts. This product range is complemented by Westfalia’s marketing channels in Europe and the US, while wfi’s production in and exports from Colombia and Peru serve to enhance Agricom’s position in Latin America. Already a recognised leader in the supply of avocados in Africa and Europe, Westfalia said it has chosen to partner with Agricom with the aim of securing a leadership position in the Americas. “Our joint purpose is to be the preferred supplier to our customer base – ensuring reliable year-round supply from multiple global sources; delivering leading technology and plant material; and providing all the provenances that assure quality and sustainability to satisfy consumers’ preferences consistently,” said Claus Lippert, ceo of hmh which owns wfi. “Westfalia is very proud to be associated with Agricom, with whom we share common values of integrity, innovation, quality and food safety. “Westfalia and Agricom share a strong focus on research and innovation, world-class technology, as well as highest standards of quality control and regulatory compliance. “Sustainable business, social and environmental strategies have contributed to the success of our organisations in our respective regions, as do the supportive and transparent relationships we have established with producers, customers and the communities in which we operate.”
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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37
17/01/2018 13:17
features
report —Stoneless avocados
F
irst came the baby, then the low-fat version… now Marks & Spencer
has
become the latest retailer to jump on the avocado bandwagon with the introduction of a stoneless version. The fruit, which went on sale in select UK stores last Christmas, measures 5-8cm and has a smooth, creamy flesh and edible skin. It is
Stoneless avocados: passing fad or here to stay?
being marketed as a ‘cocktail’ avo-
vélez-málaga—Shaped like a cornichon
cado and is described by the retail-
with an edible skin, the cocktail avocado has
er as being “perfect for snacking
long been popular with gourmet chefs, but
or lunchboxes, or even deep-fried”. Touted as the antidote to avocado
Cocktail avocados are not a distinct variety but simply Fuerte avocados resulting from an unpollinated blossom
can it cross over into the mainstream?
hand – the expression coined by a UK doctor for cuts sustained while
by Maura Maxwell
attempting to remove the fruit’s stone – the media frenzy that greeted its launch was proof, if any were
production in any particular year
needed, that avomania is as strong
is down to the prevailing climat-
as ever. “You have to hand it to
ic conditions during flowering and
Marks & Spencer, they did a great
volumes cannot be programmed
job,” says Martina Otten, commer-
– they are, says Otten, a whim of
cial manager of Trops, the Spanish
Mother Nature. Vélez-Málaga-based
Spain,” Otten explains. “The season
grower who supplied the fruit. “Pro-
Trops accounts for 40-50 per cent of
runs from November through to
viding the story around the prod-
their production volume in Spain.
January, although we try to con-
uct sparked a huge level of interest
“We’ve been selling them since the
centrate harvesting in the three or
on social media, drawing consum-
1980s – mainly through the horeca
four weeks leading up to Christmas
ers in beautifully.
channel where they are used as a
– afterwards, demand drops off dra-
garnish or salad ingredient. France
matically.”
Cocktail avocados are not a distinct variety but simply Fuerte
has been the principle market up to
Speaking at the time of the
avocados resulting from
now and we also sell limited
launch, Marks & Spencer agron-
an unpollinated blossom.
volumes in Germany and
omist Charlotte Curtis said: “This
This means that
amazing fruit has been on our radar for a couple of years and we’re very excited to have finally been able to get hold of some for our customers to try. We know they will be in demand and we’ve only been able to get our hands on a limited amount.” However, Otten is more circumspect about the outlook for cocktail avocados and says the jury is still out whether they are a passing fad or a more permanent addition to supermarket shelves. “You only LEFT—Trops
accounts for roughly half of Spanish production of cocktail avocados
38
p.38.indd 38
have to look at the hype generated by baby avocados when they were first
launched
but
which
still
account for only a tiny proportion of overall sales,” she notes. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 19:04
Untitled-1 1
15/01/2018 17:31
features
report —Sustainability
Cabilfrut ships first RA avocados to Europe santiago—Seizing on the surge in demand for sustainably sourced avocados, the Chilean company is working towards the certification of more than 2,000ha of
Jaguacy foresees bright future for Brazilian avocados
production this year. by Maura Maxwell
Jaguacy has been supplying the European market with Brazilian avocados for decades. More recently the company has broken into new markets such as Morocco and the uae, but you don’t have to look far for new opportunities according to manager Ligia Falange Carvalho. “Uruguay, Argentina and Chile are all markets that
C
hilean avocado grower
sive, it was something that he felt
and packer Cabilfrut has
was important for the European
exported its first avoca-
market.
we’re targeting for export growth, as well as the
dos from Rainforest Alliance certi-
“Earning the Rainforest Alliance
domestic market, where consumption is growing
fied farms to the European market.
seal for our ranches helps to show
every year,” she tells eurofruit.
Two containers of fruit left the Port
our buyers and final consumers
Jaguacy has been growing avocados in Brazil
of Valparaiso in early December to
that we are complying with com-
for over 40 years on its farms in São Paulo, one
arrive in time for the Christmas hol-
prehensive standards that take into
of Brazil’s three main avocado producing states
idays. They were received in Rotter-
account conserving natural resourc-
dam by Greenyard and ogl.
es, agricultural sustainability and
together with Minas Gerais and Paraná. “We manage 1,000ha of which half is own production
The company has certified three
and the other half owned by our team of 25
of its farms so far – Agricola Pililen,
associated growers under a programme we’ve had in
Agricola Huerto Cancarucas and
place since 1994,” explains Falanghe.
Agricola La Loica. Two addition-
By 2020, the company’s output is forecast
al farms have been audited and are
BELOW—Cabilfrut aims to have over
to reach 15,000 tonnes.
awaiting final certification, while
2,000ha of RA-certified farms
In addition to new acreage, the company is investing
another six farms are preparing for
in upgrading and expanding its packing operation.
supply chain,” he said. _ E
audits in 2018.
Last year the focus was on improving the reception
Overall, these farms represent
area and coldstorage facilities, while in 2018 the
300ha of certified fruit for 2017, with
aim will switch to packing and sorting. “We have
an additional 2,000ha due for certi-
acquired a Spectrim sorting system that will bring
protecting people at all levels in the
fication in 2018.
about a significant improvements in efficiency and in
Sandra Alvarez Rojas, Cabilfrut’s
the quality of our export offer,” Falanghe says.
quality control and certification
Meanwhile, the company is planning a big marketing
manager, said the company went
push to raise the profile of Brazilian avocados. With
to great lengths to ensure the certi-
consumption on the rise across the globe, Falanghe
fications were completed in time to
believes that Brazil is poised to play an increasingly
ensure that European clients could
important role in global supply.
receive Rainforest Alliance certified fruit before the end of 2017. “We worked closely with Diego Verdesia from Greenyard and Mauricio Ferro Rettig from CyD Certifiers. Their expertise streamlined the entire process in obtaining the certifications,” she explained. Cabilfrut’s president, Juan Pablo Cerda, added that although the process of certification was very exten-
40
p.40.indd 40
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features
report —Karsten Group
50 not out for Karsten roepersfontein—Celebrating 50 years in farming, leading South African organisaton Karsten Group paints a positive picture for the future. by Fred Meintjes
P
iet
the
a visit to Karsten’s facilities in Egypt in the mid 2000s,
“The fact that in the early 2000s
Karsten Group will cele-
Karsten
and
in a minibus with Piet and Babsie Karsten on the road
we could move into exporting our
brate 50 years in farming
between Alexandria and Cairo, he explained: “It is like
own grapes directly to customers
in South Africa this year. The group
being the pilot of a Boeing 747. Once you take off, you
provided new opportunities to build
has firmly established itself as a lead-
keep the nose up, keep on flying and refuel in the air. You
relationships that are still benefit-
ing table grape grower and exporter,
never point the nose downwards and you never land.
ting the group today,” he continues.
expanding its activities into growing
You may not take off again.” Babsie Karsten was indeed
“We could establish alliances in South
and marketing other fruits, as well
someone who ‘flew with him all the way’ until she passed
Africa and overseas, with the trade
as establishing its own logistics and
away a few years ago.
and suppliers from other companies,
international marketing structure.
Now, after 50 years, Karsten says that the group, at
which allows us to deliver a very spe-
This enables Karsten to not only have
that stage known as Karsten Farms, was perhaps fortu-
cial service to customers and take care
full control over the movement of its
nate in that it was able to take advantage of significant
of anything nature throws at you.”
fruit from its farms in South Africa to
changes in the South African table grape business. “The move from seeded to seedless varieties suited
and support of his family, with his
to boost year-round supply by sourc-
us because we had seedless grapes. We were at the right
children playing leading roles in
ing fruit from other producing coun-
spot at the right time!” he notes, adding that the group
the group, as well as the way all
tries.
also had a good investment partner in the form of the
those involved with the company
Industrial Development Corporation (idc) which allowed
embraced its philosophies and con-
it to expand some 25 years ago.
tinue to do so today, are major
Piet Karsten was once asked about his recipe for success. During
42
Karsten says the involvement
the doorstep of its customers, but also
»
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.42-44.indd 42
17/01/2018 13:22
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features
factors in the success that has been
training manager based in the Orange River. Indeed,
turing their spirit of endeavour and
achieved. “However, it does not all
Bekker is a good example himself. “Many years ago,
entrepreneurship. His son, Pieter
end here, because we have to ensure
Piet Karsten asked me to join the company as person-
Karsten, deputy managing direc-
that everyone working with our com-
nel manager. I thought he must be mad – there were
tor, says the group will continue to
pany continues to fully embrace
only eight managers – what would I do with my time?
improve at all levels and gradual-
these philosophies. We need to con-
During my first day at work, I was twiddling my thumbs
ly grow its business. “We will also
tinue with even more enthusiasm to
wondering what I would do next, when Piet walked in.
continue to move closer to our cus-
face the challenges of the future.”
In his hands were some pruning scissors used to shape
tomers and we will be dealing with
In the Orange River, the Karsten
the grape bunches in the vineyards. “He said: ‘take this
the challenges we have as a result
Group’s farming operations stretch
and go and meet your constituency’. I spent the next
of political developments in South
from Klein Pella in the west, over
six months in the vineyards and really got to know
Africa,” he explains.
a distance of more than 250km to
the people who I had to work with.” Bekker says that
the
head
office,
Belia
Karsten,
as
executive
Roepersfontein,
aside from permanent staff in the Orange River, season-
director: corporate services, han-
Kanoneiland, near Upington. Table
al workers are involved from the beginning of August
dles the financial and administra-
grape farming has also been extend-
until January each season. “We offer training, housing,
tive aspects of the rapidly growing
ed to the Western Cape where the
medical facilities, childcare and leisure time facilities.
group. All the other family mem-
ern Europe and the European Union.
We also support a number of schools in this region and
bers are involved in the business.
Herman
back educational facilities in the areas most of our sea-
group acquired farms in the Hex River Valley and further south, near Robertson in the Breede River Valley, and in the West Coast region at Moutonshoek near Piketberg. Karsten has also diversified into apples, pears, stonefruit and cherries in the Western Cape, as well as in packaging facilities. Its South African marketing operation, Karsten Marketing, is based near Cape Town, as is the joint venture logistics company, Horizon Fruits Logistics. Pieter Holland-Muter, as executive director: marketing, is responsible for all South African marketing operations. The group’s international marketing infrastructure includes a fully-owned marketing and packing operation in the UK, called Karsten UK, as well as its operation in the Netherlands, Karsten Europe, which handles marketing in westEngelbrecht,
executive
director: foreign operations, heads
44
sonal workers come from.”
Piet says he is happy to now take on a new challenge. “I have been re-
up all operations in Europe and
Piet du Plessis, general manager for Karsten Farms
deployed from the Orange River to
the UK. In addition, the Karsten
in the Northern Cape, was another person who was
the Western Cape to look after our
Group has various partnerships to
convinced by Piet Karsten to suspend his plans for mba
production here and to ensure that
enhance international marketing.
studies at the beginning of the 1980s to join the fledg-
all of us continue to uphold the phi-
ling company. Du Plessis is now a household name in
losophies which brought us to this
People focus
the Orange River and has been involved with most of
point,” he says. _ E
The Karsten Group is a people’s
the developments of the group in the region. New vari-
business. Whether in the Northern
eties to take the company into the future are high on
or the Western Cape, the business is
the agenda and along with a dedicated team, which
driven by investment in people and
has helped to turn the desert into vineyards at places
their communities. “Once you arrive
such as the massive grape farm Raap & Skraap, they are
at the Karsten Group, you very
shaping the business of tomorrow.
seldom leave,” says Joa Bekker, the
Piet Karsten has mastered the art of letting those
colourful and enthusiastic group
around him lead the way forward, while always nur-
ABOVE—The industry shift to seedless
varieties benefited the company PREVIOUS PAGE—Piet Karsten and the
group’s special anniversary logo
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.42-44.indd 44
17/01/2018 13:23
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Simultaneous translation in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish. Plus, receive your invitation to the FRUIT LOGISTICA Welcome Reception
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fruitlogi ica.com > tickets For the late information go to
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WOFI A4_2.indd 1
09/01/2018 12:52
features
report —Social responsibility
Transformation offers hope cape town—Political rhetoric in South Africa often takes the focus off the quiet revolution that is taking place on many of the country’s farms, led by companies like Capespan. by Fred Meintjes
W
hile politicians in South
Capespan’s Northern Cape farms have been substan-
der of that year was spent on health
Africa debate the next
tial. Today, six age-appropriate Blue Hand day-care cen-
education and training for peer
round of land transfor-
tres – either renovated or brand new – accommodate
educators, life skills and preventa-
farm workers’ 200 pre-school children.”
tive hygiene and health-care train-
mation details that are likely to
Van der Merwe says that, to ensure a recognised edu-
ing for crèche staff, a voluntary
companies
cational programme is followed, the initiative facilitates
hiv/Aids testing campaign and pre-
involved in the industry are continu-
training and educating day-care personnel annual-
school/créche educational toys and
ing their quiet revolution through
ly. As a result, about 200 women with dependent pre-
resources for 11 day-care centres.”
the introduction of shareholding and
school children are able to pursue employment, thereby
In 2015 Capespan Blue Hand also
development projects on farms.
expanding gender equality on grape farms and, by
started with a vegetable tunnel
default, enhancing children’s exposure to quality edu-
project which is managed by farm
cational content.
worker committees on five farms to
have a major impact of the fruit sector,
growers
and
One such group is Capespan, which, through its Blue Hand initiative, is involved in development
“We started small in 2009 by improving basic ameni-
provide food supplements for farm
projects across numerous fruit
ties in day-care centres such as installing toilets, basins,
workers and to contribute to vita-
communities nationwide. One of
ceilings, fences and lawns at play areas. In the ensuing
min-enriched porridge at day cen-
the places serving as a good exam-
years Blue Hand concentrated on maintenance, train-
tres for children. It forms part of
ple of the scheme’s work is on
ing of staff and educational support services. Three
preventative health care and is man-
Capespan’s farms in the Northern
years later, two brand-new crèche facilities at Noudon-
aged in association with a non-gov-
Cape region. These are all located in
sies and Arendsnes farms in the Orange River opened
ernment organisation called Food
the Orange River table grape region
their doors to little feet thanks to our alliance with the
for the Nations,” she concludes. _ E
where eurofruit, on a recent visit,
Waitrose Foundation. In 2016 water-coolant air-condi-
also found many other stories of
tioning systems were installed at six centres. In 2017
hope and transformation.
mothers at Noriseep and Oorkant Valam heaved a sigh reached
of relief after renovations to existing buildings resulted
many milestones along the road
in much-needed crèche facilities,” she outlines. In addi-
to making a difference and affect-
tion, in 2010 an initiative called Care Works was intro-
ing the lives of people in the most
duced to all farms to develop hiv/Aids awareness and
progressive way over the past ten
health counselling for staff members while simultane-
years,” says Ansonnete van der
ously training 22 representatives to operate as work-
Merwe, coordinator of the project.
place hiv/Aids peer educators.
“We
46
p.46.indd 46
have
certainly
“With a relationship dating back to
“This is not where our involvement ends,” van der
2007 when 2,000 trees were plant-
Merwe continues. “Subsequently, construction of cook-
ed in an unforgiving landscape to
ing structures commenced on four farms, followed by
TOP—A daycare facility backed by
green the farms, improvements on
the same for a further six farms in 2011. The remain-
Capespan’s Blue Hand initiative
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 13:24
Untitled-3 1
15/01/2018 12:45
features
report —Joybells
Ring the bells of joy berlin—A new South Africa-bred seedless table grape, Joybells, will launch at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. by Fred Meintjes
table grape cultivars to be made available to the South African industry at affordable prices.” sati’s Willem Bestbier says profitable and well adapted cultivars are the most important tools the South African industry has in what is a highly competitive international trade. “There is nothing better than a homemade success story,” he confirms. Those who know the Joybells cultivar say it has an excellent acid-sugar balance, as well as an intricate flavour. It has naturally large berries and a crunchy, firm texture, with dissolving skin. “All these characteristics enclosed in one grape make for an excellent eating experience,” says one expert. The name comes from the fact that, compared to a traditional grape, some berries resemble the shape of a bell. “This characteristic drew attention right from the start. It is said that during the evaluation phase everyone always remarked on the bell-like shape of the berries. That, along with the remarkable taste and texture was what inspired the name Joybells.” Joybells have already been exposed to test panels at UK supermarkets Morrisons and Marks & Spencer and received excellent reviews. According to statistics close to 300ha of the variety have already been planted. Von Mollendorff says from this year plant material should be freely available and that plantings could expand fairly quickly. It is clear that the arrival of Joybells will inspire the copywriters – ‘Ring he South African breeding programme for
in the New’, ‘Pride and Joy’, Bells and Whistles’ and ‘No joyrides’ are some of
table grapes will receive a welcome boost this
the slogans which have already been coined. For grape growers it will be
month when a new red seedless variety is
‘Bell and Whistles’ if the cultivar is as successful as it promises to be –
introduced to the international trade at Fruit Logistica.
assuming there is no interference with marketing, and if the cost of obtain-
In an era where emerging seedless varieties from global
ing the variety stays within an affordable range. _ E
T
breeding programmes are rife, those backing the South African breeding programme believe that the new variety, Joybells, could be a winner. It certainly seems to be one of the best varieties to emerge from South Africa in years. Developed by well-known South African breeder Phyllis Burger of the government-sponsored Agricultural Research Council Centre (arc), Infruitec-Nietvoorbij, at Stellenbosch, Joybells was developed from an open-pollinated Sunred variety. It will be marketed by Culdevco, a company from Paarl which has contracts to market arc-developed varieties. Dr Leon von Mollendorff, general manager of Culdevco, says information and plant material have been gradually released to the industry to ensure that a proper evaluation of the variety was done over a
48
p.48.indd 48
number of years. “sati and Culdevco are working hand
TOP & ABOVE—Joybells are said to have a good acid-sugar balance, with naturally
in hand with Infruitec-Nietvoorbij to develop unique
large berries and a crunchy grape texture
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 19:09
Untitled-3 1
15/01/2018 12:56
features
comment —Marketing
Marketing milestone st ives—Now in their tenth year, South Africa’s Beautiful Country, Beautiful Fruit integrated market development campaigns have worked with retailers and media to raise the profile – and sales – of the country’s stonefruit and topfruit.
Dominic Weaver Red communications @fruitandvegboy Dominic is managing director of fresh produce public relations specialist Red Communications
mote South African fruit during most of the year – in-store, online, in editorial articles, advertorials, advertising, on social media and in the catering sector. This range of channels means we have been developing advocates for South African fruit across multiple areas. Engagement is also key. We give stakeholders a central role in planning and refining our annual promotional plan. They have a say in what activity we run and where, and from here often add their own time
W
ith the launch of its 2018 campaign on
shoppers online and in stores to show
and resources in making it success-
stonefruit and topfruit, the South Afri-
them the breadth of varieties and let
ful. Most stakeholders have become
can fruit industry’s Beautiful Country,
them experience the eating quality
increasingly invested in the campaign
Beautiful Fruit marketing campaign in
of in-season South African fruit. This
over time. This helps immeasurably
the UK has reached an impressive ten-
has been underpinned by work with
with implementing and developing it
bloggers and magazines.
each year. And crucially, we have seen
year milestone. An initiative that began with a pilot proj-
50
p.50.indd 50
ect to promote South African plums at the beginning of
Topfruit is different. It is a mature
a clear impact on sales. Although the
2009 rolled out across stonefruit and topfruit the follow-
category with lots of competition on
campaign is measured in terms of the
ing year. It has become a regular feature of the retail and
retailers’ shelves from other coun-
usual metrics – including clicks on
media calendar and is now, we believe, currently the lon-
tries of origin. For this reason, the
website advertising, opportunities to
gest standing continuous country of origin campaign in
campaign increasingly looks to raise
see media and social media follow-
UK fresh produce.
awareness of the flavour, freshness
ing – the decisive measure is sales. In
There are several reasons for the longevity of this
and ethical usps of buying South
stonefruit, since this campaign began
campaign. Firstly, it is flexible. The campaign is integrat-
African apples and pears away from
ten years ago the big four supermar-
ed, and while communicating consistent messages about
stores and retail websites. We want
kets have seen volume growth of
the great flavour, freshness and positive ethics of buying
consumers to go on to look for the
approximately 100 per cent.
South African fruit across the retail and public relations
fruit when they shop. While this is
In fresh produce, where mar-
activities, over time we have learned to tailor the meth-
going on, we still work closely with
gins are often small, this return on
odologies to the different needs of the stonefruit and top-
those supermarkets that really cham-
investment is the ultimate mea-
fruit categories.
pion South African topfruit.
sure of success and the overriding
In the UK winter months, the stonefruit category has
Secondly, the diversity of the cam-
reason to continue promoting into
been underdeveloped. At this time of the year, shoppers
paign has been important. The com-
have largely not been used to buying plums, peaches and
bined seasons in these two South
nectarines. So we have increasingly focused this part of
African categories span close to 11
ABOVE—Nectarines sporting the
the campaign on retail activity, intervening directly with
months, so we run activities to pro-
Beautiful Country, Beautiful Fruit logo
the future. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 13:35
fruitlogistica.com
GlobalBerryCongressHandbook_FL2019_210x297_en.indd 1
09.01.2018 15:47:34
features
report —Kenya
Kenyan farmers embrace contracts nairobi—Through the East African Potato Consortium, Kenyan potato producers are turning to contract farming in response to tough growing conditions. by Tom Joyce
R
Felix
Matheri,
a
Macharia’s potatoes now fetch
ditions and sudden cold
22 shillings (US$0.20) per kilo, more
researcher at the International
spells
have
than double what he would get
Centre of Insect Physiology and
affected the quality of potatoes and
at the Kipipiri open-air market.
Ecology,
other staples across the country.
According to the contract, Mach-
contract farming provided farm-
“The cold damages potato vines
aria will sell at least two tonnes of
ers with a steady income, it risked
with frostbite while heat makes
potatoes to food processors each
depriving poor families of their
them wilt,” Peris Mukami, a farmer
harvesting season for the next two
food supply.
from Timau village in Meru County,
years.
in
Kenya
argued
that,
although
“Contracts bind farmers to sup-
told Euractiv.com. She revealed
Contract farming has enabled
that her potato yields had declined
Kenyan farmers to start selling pro-
toes,
by over 10 per cent in the past two
duce to food giants like fast-food
harvest is low, farmers are forced to
years as a result.
chain kfc.
sell all their produce to meet their
plying an agreed amount of potameaning
that
when
the
In response to this challenge,
The consortium was set up in
Kenyan potato farmers are increas-
2016 by the National Potato Coun-
Louise Wangari, a roadside seller
ingly turning to contract farming,
cil, the Alliance for a Green Revolu-
of potatoes in Nyandarua County,
organising
production
obligations,” he explained.
contracts
tion in Africa and the Grow Africa
expressed concern that such con-
with food processors, through the
partnership. Its aim is to increase
tracts might reduce the volumes
East African Potato Consortium.
private investment in agriculture
she received from farmers.
Through working with the con-
by connecting potato farmers with
“The quantity of potatoes I was
sortium, farmers can get access to
food processors across the country,
getting from farmers was already
better fertilisers and seeds that
according to Kaguongo.
decreasing due to extreme weath-
are more resilient to harsher con-
Each production deal is reviewed
er,” she said. “If they start signing
and approved by the National
contracts with other buyers, then I
They also receive a guaran-
Potato Council, which guarantees
may be out of business soon, as I
teed price for the crop, provided
that it is fair to both parties, said
can’t afford to pay them as much as
the potatoes are of a good quali-
Willy Bett, cabinet secretary of the
the food processors.” _ E
ty, according to Wachira Kaguon-
Kenyan Ministry of Agriculture,
go, head of the National Potato
Livestock and Fisheries.
ditions.
Council.
52
However,
ecurring drought con-
According to Kaguongo, 5,000
“Thanks to this contract, I can
farmers have signed up to the
earn up to 22,000 Kenyan shillings
system so far, with a total of 23,000
(US$213) per season,” said Samuel
predicted to have made the switch
ABOVE—Kenya’s potato farmers are
Macharia, a farmer in Kipipiri.
by 2020.
increasingly turning to contracts
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.52-53.indd 52
17/01/2018 13:32
features
REPORT —Africa
“We ensure our growers are given full training to guarantee that they have the right quality specifications for the market”
Challenges remain for Kenyan avos Kenyan avocado exporters have enjoyed a presence on the Gulf market for many years, but various challenges continue to restrict their success. “People don’t really know the Hass variety on this market, so we focus on the Fuerte,” says Winnie Ngubwa of Sasini
LEFT—Samuel Owusu Amankwaa of
Avocado. “Consumers want
Fruit Brothers in Ghana
the biggest size they can find, and that is Fuerte, so they are accustomed to this variety. With
Gulf potential for Ghanaian mangoes
ber of Commerce, US$1bn of man-
the Hass, consumers think that
goes come to the Middle East each
the fruit has gone bad because
year, so we have a good chance to ship
of its different skin colour.”
more volumes if we target the market
Francis Mureithi of exporter Wintechs says that his company
right.” According to Amankwaa, the
has sent to the Gulf for the
Dubai market is very particular
last ten years. “The market has
about quality. “You can have all the
changed a lot, but not to our
necessary certificates, but if the qual-
advantage,” he says. “There
ity is not good on arrival, it is point-
are so many exporters, but
less,” he says. “We ensure our growers
production is not increasing. So
are given full training in order to
we are planting more hectares of
dubai—Ghanaian exporter Fruit Brothers
guarantee that they have the right
avocados, both Fuerte and Hass.”
sees good opportunities for its mangoes on
quality specifications for the market.
the Middle East if it targets the market right. by Tom Joyce
G
hanaian producer-exporter Fruit Brothers, part
The company is based near
The sizes and quality of our Kent
Nairobi for logistical reasons,
mangoes are really good, and we
making it easy to transport
also supply the Keitt variety. People
the produce to the port of
here know Ghanaian mangoes, but
Mombasa. “It takes two weeks
a lot have never bought them before.
to reach Dubai,” says Mureithi.
That’s
“However, the cost of seafreight
because
most
Ghanaian
mango exporters focus on Europe.”
from East Africa is very high. Sometimes containers are left at
of Amankwaa Enterprise, is optimistic about its
Fruit Brothers is equally targeting
future on the Middle East market, according to
Europe for its pineapples and man-
the port waiting seven days for
sales and marketing manager Samuel Owusu Amankwaa.
goes, both conventional and organic.
a vessel to arrive. This means
Although the company’s main item is pineapples, which it
“We export to Belgium, the Nether-
that the fruit has to be sold
supplies all year round, the focus for the Gulf market is on
lands and Portugal, but we also want
much quicker at the destination.
the company’s mangoes, which are available from May to
to send to Germany,” says Amankwaa.
Sometimes, vessels arrive in
July and from November to December.
“Our quality is right for this market.
Mombasa earlier than arranged
“There are better opportunities for mangoes than
We supply the MV2 pineapple, or
and leave earlier, leaving fruit
for pineapples, which come from the Philippines by
what I call the European variety. The
without a means to reach the
sea, while we have to go by air,” says Amankwaa. “We
important thing is to make the right
market. This should never
are optimistic. The volume of mangoes coming to this
contacts to help grow the business,
happen. The shippers must stick
market is very promising. According to Ghana’s Cham-
irrespective of where we are.” _ E
to their arranged times.”
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.52-53.indd 53
53
17/01/2018 13:32
features
report —Egypt
Inspections to rise on Egyptian citrus
demand soaring Demand for Egyptian citrus is increasing all over the world, according to Abeer Badran (below), general manager for
cairo—The EU has taken the decision to increase inspection rates on Egyptian citrus from 25 per cent of containers per shipment to 100 per cent.
the Gulf and Asia at exporter Daltex. “Demand is up, including from Spain, Turkey and South Africa,” says Badran.
by Tom Joyce
“Our quality is getting better and better, but we are still the cheapest. The revaluation of the Egyptian pound has helped.” Other regions, not least Asia, are also growing for Egyptian citrus. “Asian consumers are becoming familiar with our citrus,” says Badran. “Many Egyptian citrus exporters are currently targeting the Asian market. We have started sending grapefruit to China, where we compete with Turkish and Israeli fruit. Our quality has increased so much that we are now at around the same level. We are also sending easy peelers to China. There is good demand for most citrus varieties.” Daltex is also one of the
I
nspection procedures are being stepped up
tian pomegranates and threatened
largest Egyptian potato
on Egyptian citrus exports to the EU, accord-
a similar ban to that imposed on
suppliers on the Middle East
ing to Daily News Egypt, with inspection rates
Egyptian guava late last year.
market. However, competition
increasing from 25 per cent of containers per shipment
Sherif El-Beltagy of the Agri-
has intensified from Pakistani
to 100 per cent. The European Commission will report-
culture Export Council said that it
exporters, which benefit from
edly start implementing the decision in early February,
was working with the Ministry of
their proximity to the market
continuing until late 2018.
Agriculture to establish a system
and are able to supply large
Ali Eissa, former head of Egypt’s Agriculture Export
to ensure exports comply with the
volumes at relatively good
Council, said that the decision had been imposed on
specifications required by each
prices, according to Badran.
many other countries besides Egypt, mostly in Africa
target country.
“This competition is affecting all potato suppliers – Egyptian,
and on various products. The commission stated that it
A large number of exporters had
intends to hold reviews for each country included in the
entered the business since the flota-
French, Lebanese – so prices
inspection rate increase in 2018 before it elects to follow
tion of the Egyptian pound in
are low,” she says.
the new decision or not.
November 2016, he said, and the
Eissa revealed that the decision was taken to protect
practices and methods of some
citrus cultivation in southern European countries like
unregistered companies remained
Spain, Italy and Greece from stoneflies. Europe imports
unknown. _ E
approximately 220,000 tonnes of Egyptian citrus each year. Egyptian pomegranate exporters are also under
54
p.54.indd 54
pressure from the Saudi Environment Ministry, which
TOP—Europe imports 220,000 tonnes of
complained of pesticide residues in shipments of Egyp-
Egyptian citrus every year
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 13:34
Untitled-2 1
04/12/2017 10:50
FEATURES
REPORT —Logistics
Redefining Nigeria’s agriculture value chain
BELOW LEFT—The
first consignment of
lagos—apm Terminals is investing in cold chain
tomatoes arrives in Lagos
transportation to cut post-harvest losses in fresh produce
BELOW RIGHT—Cold
destined for the domestic and export markets.
chain investment will significantly reduce spoilage and
by Maura Maxwell
T
extend shelf life
he first shipment of fresh tomatoes was transported by refrigerated truck
from northern Nigeria to Lagos under a joint initiative between apm Terminals, Naija Pride and international development groups to bring modern cold chain transportation to farmers in the production centres in the north to markets in the country’s most populous city. The
18.6-tonne
consignment
was loaded into a refrigerated container for the 1,045km journey from Dutsen Wai in Nigeria’s Kaduna State, to Lagos. In the controlled reefer environment, heat spoilage, as well as bruising damage from cargo shifting during transportation, was eliminated and the entire truckload arrived intact and ready for sale or forwarding. An estimated 15m tonnes of Nigerian-grown perishable goods,
important growth driver for the
tion while packed in traditional woven raffia baskets and
including onions, potatoes, toma-
Nigerian economy,” said apm Ter-
moved by conventional trucking.
toes, peppers, okra, ginger and car-
minals Apapa managing director
rots, are lost annually due to poor
Martin Jacob.
with Naija Pride in cooperation with US-based Tech-
logistics infrastructure and high
“We, along with our partners,
transportation costs through spoil-
aim to offer our landside custom-
age and product damage.
ers both the service and expertise
Naija Pride is owned by Emmanuel Ijewere, the vice
noServe, an international non-profit that promotes business solutions in 29 countries.
The Dutch company said the
necessary to protect perishables for
chairman of the Nigerian Agribusiness Group (nabg).
project is part of a wider investment
domestic markets and open new
The UK’s Department for International Development-
programme in cold chain transpor-
international market opportunities
funded Growth and Employment in States (gems4) pro-
tation to cut post-harvest losses and
through Nigerian ports.”
gramme,
extend the shelf life of fresh produce for the local and export markets.
56
To make the shipment, apm Terminals partnered
As much as half of Nigeria’s
and
Foundation-funded
the
US-based
Yieldwise
project
Rockefeller were
also
domestic tomato crop of 1.8m tonnes
involved as observers, providing advice on cold chain
“New investment in cold chain
does not get to market due to spoil-
supply opportunities that benefit the Nigerian agricul-
infrastructure will clearly be an
age or damage during transporta-
tural industry and end-user customers. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.56-57.indd 56
17/01/2018 13:38
features
REPORT —Logistics
tise and knowhow of Antwerp,” says port alderman Marc Van Peel, who is also chairman of pai. “With our subsidiaries apec and pai we have been work-
P
ort of Antwerp Interna-
ing for a long time on the passing on
tional (pai), the consultancy
and sharing of knowledge and experi-
and investment subsidiary
ence, in order to strengthen the world-
of Antwerp Port Authority, has been
wide network of our port and to ensure
appointed by the council of ministers
that Antwerp is and remains top of
of the West African country of Benin
mind at the international level of deci-
to modernise the port of Cotonou. The
sion makers in the maritime world.”
port is the economic heart of Benin,
“With our subsidiaries we have been working for a long time on the passing on and sharing of knowledge and experience to strengthen our network”
p.56-57.indd 57
Cotonou in good hands cotonou—Port of Antwerp International is charged with modernising the Port of Cotonou in Benin.
In the longer term, the port authority wants the port to grow further, but both the infrastructure and the organ-
by Carl Collen
isation are outdated. The government therefore decided to temporarily outsource the management of the port.
cesses from the inside. pai is now seeking to recruit eight
“Our main task will be to modern-
expats who will carry out the task on
ise the port authority in organisational
the ground. “For example we’re looking
terms, renovate the obsolescent facil-
for a ceo and a chief financial officer,
ities and prepare for and guide the
but we have the explicit aim under the
expansion of the port,” notes Kristof
terms of our remit to organise man-
handling an annual freight volume of
Waterschoot, managing director of
agement training courses for local
around 12m tonnes.
pai. In the short term pai will take over
managers, to prepare them for a
“We are delighted that the Benin
some key functions within the port
gradual transfer of these key func-
government has opted for the exper-
authority, in order to study the pro-
tions,” Waterschoot says. _ E
17/01/2018 13:38
features
report —Ethiopia
Right place, right time addis ababa—Following new investment and improvement in production and packhouses, Ethiopia’s fresh produce suppliers appear to be attracting greater attention from European buyers. by Stephanie Zaar
Y
ear-round
produc-
tion, a strategic location
between
major
ABOVE—Abdel-Majid Hashlamoun (third from right) welcomed
visitors to his farm in Holeta (Photo: Habib Mohammed) OPPOSITE—Fresh strawberries packed and ready to go
regional markets, and a commitment to quality: Ethiopia appears to have plenty in its favour when
58
it comes to growing its fresh pro-
per year – including 250,000 tonnes of perishables – by
duce exports. Buyers from Germa-
building a new distribution centre, staffed by a team
ny, Spain and the UK who visited
of 60 across three shifts.
the country last year as part of a
It is also evident in farms and packhouses. Metro-
delegation organised by the coun-
lux Farm in Holeta produces around 48 tonnes of
try’s Import Promotion Desk and
strawberries in each of its 9ha of drip-irrigated tun-
producer organisation Ehpea dis-
nels, growing the varieties San Andreas, Sweet Anne
covered plenty of potential for
and Monterey. With Globalgap, brc and Sedex cer-
commercial partnership, despite
tification, it also packs its own fruit and has plans
continued political challenges.
to expand its production area to 17ha. According to
The country’s desire for expan-
founder Abdel-Majid Hashlamoun, Metrolux strives to
sion can be seen at Addis Ababa
produce high-quality strawberries for the local as well
Bole International Airport, which
as international markets. “We therefore use modern
is aiming to double the amount of
technology and continue to develop our production
cargo it handles to 600,000 tonnes
further.”
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.58-59.indd 58
17/01/2018 15:56
features
Growing sustainably and ethically is important to Hashlamoun. “The plants are grown in substrate and need less water. The
[computer-aided]
irriga-
tion system drains unneeded water back into the reservoir. We provide electricity and drinking water to the workers’ families, most of whom live near the production area. We have also
“In five years, the country is likely to have developed significantly, so now is the time to find business partners”
reduced pesticide usage to a minimum.” For optimal lighting, the
Adapting to demand
fied packhouse in Koka to the visitors. With around
company uses retractable roofs
For some participants, market
8,000 grower members, it produces around 170,000
and, in the rainy season, artificial
coverage was a key point of the
tonnes of peppers, green beans, onions and other
light sources.
journey. Almeta Farm, which can
vegetables each year on a total area of 4,000ha.
With the average tempera-
supply green beans year-round,
Whether they were looking for brand new prod-
ture staying a more or less con-
has responded to such interest. Its
ucts or simply to cover gaps in existing categories,
stant 24°C throughout the year,
90ha production site also grows
each of the European visitors seemed impressed by
12-month production is definite-
Sugar Crisp and Crimson table
the Ethiopians’ commitment to obtaining the right
ly possible. What’s more, as Hash-
grapes, as well as snow peas from
certification, equipment and technical knowhow on
lamoun points out, the country
June to November, and peas since
farms and at packhouses. “We are here at the right
is well placed in terms of its geo-
January.
time,” one of them concluded. “In five years, the coun-
graphical location to export to
Producer
cooperative
Meki
try is likely to have developed significantly, so now is
markets including the UK, Gulf
Batu Union, meanwhile, opened
the right time to make contacts and find new busi-
States and South Africa.
the doors of its Globalgap-certi-
ness partners.” _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.58-59.indd 59
59
17/01/2018 15:56
features
report —Israel The board has created a comprehensive long-term plan to help secure the Orri Jaffa brand in the international market, designed to achieve a number of things including supporting local farmers from the planting stage to production with training, including technical support on how to grow and harvest high-quality Orri Jaffa mandarins, and defin-
“We help local citrus growers develop and expand their businesses by offering technical knowhow and support”
ing more stringent standards for the Orri Jaffa mandarin to significantly minimise waste. The plan also involves creating
education
programmes
Orri Jaffa growers backed
training
events,
and
Israeli exotics exporter Yapro has kicked off its 2018 passionfruit
orchards; building strong brand-
season with yields expected
ing for the Orri Jaffa mandarin in
to be up 15 per cent on last
Europe, China, Japan, and North
year. Growing conditions for
America; finding and licensing
passionfruit and pitahaya,
reliable partners in the Southern
another key export for Yapro,
hemisphere to provide high-qual-
have been good with low rainfall
ity Orri Jaffa mandarins in the
and relatively high temperatures.
summer to ensure a safe, sustain-
Fruit has matured well with no
able and consistent year-round
quality issues, the company says.
supply to retailers worldwide;
“We expect the volume to
distribution
increase dramatically from last
tel-aviv—Israel’s Plant Production and
outlets (such as online websites)
year as planted area has grown
Marketing Board is helping growers meet
in countries such as China and
and yields are higher than last
Japan; and representing farmers
year,” says product manager Nir
in front of government officials
Dahan. “Winter is finally coming
and regulators to ensure growers
to Israel and the passionfruit
get maximum support in terms
plantations are thriving with
of employment, vat relief and
good yields and high quality
other assistance to compete and
fruit. The harvest is now in full
increase sales in the internation-
swing and we should be able to
al market.
offer the Passion Dream variety
rising demand for the popular mandarin. by Carl Collen
T
p.60.indd 60
and
providing on-site support in the
Developing
60
and
Israeli exotics season gears up
he
Plant
Production
and
Marketing
Board of Israel is helping growers of the Orri Jaffa mandarin to grow better, safer
new
Marketing
is
another
key
continuously all the way to May.” The Dessert King pitahaya
fruit, as the country looks to meet the rapidly grow-
facet, with the board promoting
ing demand for its branded mandarin. Israel’s cli-
on-site tastings of Orri Jaffa
variety is already available,
mate is typically hot, with minimum rain and water
mandarins at selected leading
with the season expected to last
sources, which makes it challenging to grow high-
European retailers while also
until the end of March, while the
quality mandarin varieties – and this is where the
conducting dozens of research
Venus and Apollo varieties are
organisation can offer guidance to producers.
projects in conjunction with the
expected to come on stream from
“We help local citrus growers develop and expand
Volcani Research Centre in Bet-
their businesses by offering technical knowhow and
Dagan, Israel, and other agricul-
business support,” explains Tal Amit, head of the
tural institutions, to continue to
citrus sector at Israel’s Plant Production and Mar-
improve mandarin quality, find
keting Board. “These efforts lead to a strong, stable
new varieties, fight waste, and
demand for the Orri Jaffa brand and help ensure the
make Orri Jaffa production more
Israeli growers’ success.”
sustainable. _ E
September, adds Dahan. _NP
ABOVE—The Orri Jaffa is enjoying
“strong and stable demand”
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 15:57
Appetizing color & shape
Lasting shelf life
Distinct sweet taste
Easy to peel
Remarkably juicy
Long season
Very few seeds
www.orrijaf fa.com Orri Jaffa.indd 1
13/03/2017 15:23
features
report —Palestinian Territories
Russia turns to Gazan strawberries
Feijoa hope for Gazan farmers
Russia is importing
gaza strip—After years of experimentation, production of
according to Ahmed al-Shafey,
guava-like fruit feijoa looks set to take off in the Gaza Strip.
strawberries from the Gaza Strip for the first time, ceo of the Gaza Agricultural Cooperative for Producing & Marketing. Shafey told
by Tom Joyce
Al-Monitor that total exports were estimated to reach 15 tonnes by April 2018, at a value of US$76,500. According to Shafey, the price offered by Russian importers exceeded that of Israeli companies by nearly US$1 per kilogram this season. Such competitive prices are predicted to help farmers expand the production area for strawberries in the Gaza Strip. Shafey also revealed that Palestinian farmers were looking at establishing a permanent partnership with Russia to export not just strawberries, but oranges, figs, guavas and grapes from Gaza if Russian importers
A
fter years of experimenta-
temperatures, cold spells and high water salinity. The tree
can outbid Israeli companies.
tion, production of guava-
is also rarely infected with pests, allowing growers to make
Eid Siyam, the head of the
like fruit feijoa looks set to
a higher profit by eschewing pesticides.
crops department at Gaza’s
take off in the Gaza Strip.
Ministry of Agriculture,
Argentina to test them in different farms and nurseries
added that the Ministry was
Gazan farmer Massoud al-Zane has
owned by local farmers,” said Nizar al-Wahidi, director of
exploring alternative farming
succeeded in growing feijoa for the
water at the Ministry of Agriculture. “Only today can we say
techniques, including planting
first time in Palestine, according to a
that we succeeded in producing the first fruits of this shrub.”
strawberries in greenhouses in
According to Wahidi, the effort is part of the Ministry of
order to test vertical farming.
report from Al-Monitor. Feijoa is the fruit of the acca sellow-
Agriculture’s plan to diversify crops in the Gaza Strip and
iana, a small tree commonly found in
promote those that are compatible with Gaza’s water salin-
ABOVE—Gaza’s warm weather is ideally
Brazil and northern Argentina that
ity and freshwater scarcity.
suited to feijoa production
produces guava-shaped green fruit rich in iodine and antioxidants.
“Feijoa depends on saline water, unlike many fruits that drain the available freshwater in Gaza,” he said. “Therefore,
tell citizens about it in order to encour-
According to Zane, he obtained
growing feijoa could be a successful project that contrib-
age local consumption,” said Wahidi.
feijoa seeds from the Ministry of Agri-
utes to reviving the national economy once hundreds of
As Zane looks to expand produc-
culture back in 2009, when farmers
dunams are cultivated to satisfy local market and interna-
tion of feijoa, his greatest concern
were tasked with experimenting
tional demands.”
remains a future military assault on
with the seeds in various locations in the Gaza Strip. Zane said that the warm weath-
62
“In 2009, we brought hundreds of feijoa seeds from
After eight years of development,
In November, Gaza’s Ministry of Agriculture revealed
Gaza by Israel, whose bombing cam-
that pineapples, broccoli and beetroot had been produced
paign in 2014 resulted in agricultural
for the first time in Gaza.
losses of US$550m, according to the
er in Gaza suited the tree’s growth,
“The Ministry of Agriculture is currently planning to
since it is able to withstand high
increase feijoa production and launch a media campaign to
Ministry of Agriculture and the Palestinian ngo Network. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 15:58
features
REPORT —Bayer
B
Bayer ups insecticide game
ayer is aiming to consol-
ny, and specifically to the Monheim
idate its position in the
research site in North Rhine-West-
global pest control market
phalia, he noted.
by investing some €45m in the con-
The construction of the new
struction of an 11,000m greenhouse
greenhouse is Bayer’s largest single
at its Monheim site, with an adjoin-
project in Monheim in an investment
ing laboratory and office building for
programme that has totalled around
insecticide research.
€170m over the past six years. Aside
2
“The new building will help us
from new investments, key elements
overcome one of the fundamental
of the growth strategy for the Crop-
monhein—The company has inaugurated a
challenges of our times: safeguard-
Science division include the moderni-
new greenhouse for insecticide research in
ing the global supply of food,” says
sation and targeted expansion of the
Dr Dirk Backhaus, head of product
existing research infrastructure.
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. by Carl Collen
supply and member of the executive
“Insects are of huge significance to
committee of Bayer’s CropScience
Bayer due to their important role as
Division. “This greenhouse could
pollinators of many crops,” Backhaus
have been built anywhere in the
continues. “Our task is to engage the
world. But Germany has substan-
public in an open and transparent
tial advantages as a location: diverse,
dialogue about the innovative solu-
sustainable agriculture, a high level
tions that we at Bayer are developing
of education, and a solid knowledge
to improve the quality of human life
base as well as being attractively situ-
and thus bridge the gap between pro-
ated in a dynamic European environ-
ducers and consumers.” _ E
ment.” The investment also reflects Bayer’s commitment to the innoKusibab Wyka EF February 2018.pdf
1
16/01/2018 15:33 vative capacity
of Europe, Germa-
LEFT—Bayer’s facility is designed to
safeguard the global supply of food
Our nursery specialize in production of: highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) haskap (Lonicera caerulea var. kamtschatica) blackberry (Rubus) cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) rhododendron and azalea (Rhododendron) lilac (Syringa vulgaris) Prandocin Iły 88a, 32-090 Słomniki, POLAND tel.: +48 12 385-79-44 info@kusibab-wyka.pl, www.kusibab-wyka.pl
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.62-63.indd 63
63
17/01/2018 15:58
features
review —WOP Dubai LEFT—(l-r) eurofruit’s Tom Joyce talks to
Mohammed Abbas of Fresh Del Monte and Paul Morgan of retailer Spinneys at the Fruitnet Forum Middle East
International presence at WOP Dubai dubai—The annual wop Dubai exhibition took place at the World Trade Centre in December, attracting exhibitors and visitors from all across the world. by Tom Joyce
T
64
he Middle East’s leading
growth is huge and we can expect a
fresh produce exhibition,
bigger and greener event next year.”
International Perishables
This year’s exhibition welcomed
Expo Middle East, otherwise known
group stands from a number of coun-
as wop Dubai, returned to the Dubai
tries, including China, Greece, Austra-
World Trade Centre in December for
lia, Kenya, Morocco and Egypt. Sam
another successful fair. The event
Lawrence, trade manager of Horti-
was held under the patronage of H.H.
culture Innovation, hosted a sizeable
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Mak-
group stand for Australian exporters
toum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minis-
targeting the region.
This year’s exhibition welcomed group stands from a number of countries, including China, Greece, Australia, Kenya, Morocco and Egypt
ter of Finance and Chairman of the
“We are working on our Taste
Dubai Municipality, in conjunction
Australia programme here in the
good reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality
with the International Plants Expo
Middle East, which positions the
Michael Wang of Chinese kiwifruit exporter Qifeng
Middle East, ipm Dubai.
produce.”
Australian origin as a premium
Fruit said that the company was targeting the Middle East
The two exhibitions hosted over
source of produce on overseas mar-
market again having trialled a container to Dubai back in
300 exhibitors from across the world,
kets,” he said. “We are doing pro-
2013. “We have five very good varieties,” said Wang. “We
showcasing a wide variety of prod-
motional events in Saudi Arabia,
have new green varieties that are much sweeter than the
ucts and services to meet the growing
Kuwait and Dubai. Our aim is to
Hayward, and we also have the very sweet red kiwifruit.
demand of the region’s major cities.
target influencers, including food
Consumers need time to accept these varieties. There are
“The uae in particular has a fast-grow-
bloggers and magazine editors –
lots of importers and traders here in Dubai, so we are sure
ing market for fresh produce, includ-
people who have a good reputa-
we will find the right partner here.”
ing organic products,” said Tarek
tion and can spread the message
Moroccan exporter Groupe Arbor sends a variety
Sibai of Planetfair, which organis-
about Australian produce. We work
of products to the Gulf, depending on the season and
es the show with Messe Essen. “The
together with the meat and dairy
the price. “The volume from Morocco is growing on this
tandem between ipm and wop contin-
sectors, and that helps us to offer
market,” said Hicham Al Airaj. “We are a well-known
ues to get better each year, creating a
a full food package to the market.
source for citrus and tomatoes. We are increasing our pro-
niche market concerned with build-
We’re a high-cost producer and
duction and want to expand here in Dubai.”
ing a more sustainable and healthi-
there is a lot of competition on the
er environment. The opportunity for
market, but Australia enjoys a very
French apples were also well represented at the exhibition. Mohamed Chair of exporter Apple-Bird report-
»
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.64-66.indd 64
17/01/2018 16:00
Your guide to fresh produce in Europe
2018
• More than 4,500 addresses from 7 European countries, revised annually • Trading companies, service providers, official bodies and institutions • Trend and POS reports on 10 key fresh product categories • Statistics on the German grocery market
ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ORDER FORM Please send us the 2018 edition of the FRUCHTHANDEL BRANCHEN-GUIDE at € 64.50 per copy plus postage and VAT if applicable. See below for details of delivery and postage costs. Number of copies
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BG2018_lieferbar_Az.indd 2
06.11.17 13:46
FEATURES
RIGHT— Michael Coote of Ausveg with
Horticulture Innovation’s Sam Walker BELOW—Elnur Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s trade
representative to the UAE FAR RIGHT—Qifeng Fruit’s Michael Wang BOTTOM RIGHT—Faisal Jumaa Al Badaiwi
(le ) discusses developments at Al Aweer
ers, supported by promotional organisation AZ Promo, which supports the country’s non-oil exports, helps to a ract investment and organises export trade missions and participation in exhibitions. Elnur Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s trade representative to the uae, said that Azerbaijani vegetables were known for their special taste due to the country’s positioning in the Caucasus Mountains. “Azerbaijan is a small country, but it has nine different cli-
66
ed that the market for Royal Gala had
matic zones,” said Aliyev. “That means
improved in the Gulf, with volumes
we can grow everything – kiwifruit
across Europe falling, especially from
and bananas in the south, apples,
Monte on the growth of the fresh-cut and convenience
Poland and Italy, leading to be er
stonefruit
in
food market; and from Sky Kurtz of uae producer Pure
prices. “There is greater demand from
the north. Our tomatoes are mostly
Harvest on how high-tech domestic production looks set
new customers and they are willing
grown in Baku and are famous for
to revolutionise the country’s food sector.
to pay our prices,” said Chair.
their premium quality.”
and
pomegranates
These presentations were followed by two panel ses-
Pascal Corbel of Cardell Export
In cooperation with wop Dubai,
sions. The first, with Paul Morgan of Spinneys and David
revealed that the company was
Fruitnet Forum Middle East offered
Prokopiak of Kibsons, focused on the latest trends in the
focusing on its niche varieties for the
a wide-ranging programme of pre-
retail sector, including the growth of direct imports and
Gulf market. “Even if prices are diffi-
sentations and discussions the day
online deliveries. The second focused on the keys to
cult here in the Middle East, volumes
before the exhibition. The Forum
building a successful brand in the Middle East and fea-
of niche varieties like organic vari-
included presentations from Faisal
tured an international panel of Marc Peyres of French
ety Juliet and Honeycrunch are still
Jumaa Al Badaiwi of Dubai Munic-
exporter Blue Whale, David O’Brien of LucaZara, which
growing strongly here in the uae.”
ipality about developments at Al
handles the Pink Lady brand in the region, and Nick Naf-
Exhibiting at wop Dubai for the
Aweer fruit and vegetables market;
pliotis and Labis Lagos of Greek companies Greek &
first time were six Azerbaijani export-
from Mohammed Abbas of Fresh Del
Fresh and Labidino. _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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17/01/2018 16:01
Untitled-1 1
15/01/2018 17:33
features
comment —Pears
Piqa fruit piques global interest hastings—Piqa pears are gaining global traction, with commercial commitment increasing in Australia and New Zealand, a new licensing deal in Europe and one under negotiation in North America.
Brett Ennis Ceo prevar bme@prevar.co.nz Prevar globally commercialises topfruit bred by PFR
LEFT—Commercial activity for Piqa
pears is ramping up globally
Freshmax leads Australian
over 30 years of growing tradition-
foray
al pears,” says Mike van Workum of
Prevar has licensed the PiqaBoo
Fern Ridge Fresh, one of the New Zea-
brand PremP009 cultivar in Austra-
land licensees, and chairman of the
lia exclusively to Freshmax, which
licensee governance organisation.
has taken the lead on establish-
“Growers are intensively plant-
ing the grower group, getting trial
ing trees, and investing in covering
trees in the ground and engaging
their orchards with netting to pro-
domestic and overseas customers in
tect their crop and thereby ensure
advance of crop volumes rising.
they maximise fruit quality,” van
Heading up this project for the Freshmax Group is IP commer-
Workum continues. “Market
feedback
from
sales,
cial manager Andrew Maughan. “It
mostly in Asia, during the last two
has been exciting to see how many
seasons has been amazing, with cus-
growers want to get access to the
tomers’ biggest disappointment being
variety,” states Maughan. “Whilst
that they can’t instantly get container
there remains a significant way to
loads of PiqaBoo to sell to consumers.”
go in terms of learning all of the par-
The six New Zealand licens-
ticular growing habits and features
ees have worked collaboratively to
in the Australian climate, we remain
create a “brand story” that highlights
confident in PiqaBoo’s potential to
the unique characteristics of Piqa-
rejuvenate the otherwise declining
Boo and are building relationships
pear category.”
with their customer base to market future production.
P 68
revar is globally licensing a range of
New
Zealand
licensees
innovative new interspecific pears [isps]
create brand story
European commercialisation
bred by New Zealand’s Plant & Food
In New Zealand, Prevar has licensed
deal
Research [pfr] that will be marketed
six companies on a non-exclusive
Prevar Limited and New Plant
under the Piqa fruit brand.
basis – Fern Ridge Fresh, Fresh-
Soc Cons Agricola have recently
isp’s are conventional hybridisation crosses of Europe-
max, Golden Bay Fruit, Integrow,
reached a commercial agreement
an, Chinese and Japanese pears. These novel fruits have
Johnny Appleseed and Pickmee for
for the novel isps bred by New Zea-
striking skin colours and shapes, with crisp juicy textures,
the PiqaBoo cultivar. Each licensee
land’s pfr.
are typically sweet and often have additional complex
works collectively with others on
fruit flavours. They have exceptional storage and shelf-
market strategy.
New Plant will have the exclusive European continent rights
life with the same ready-to-eat convenience of apples, and
“New Zealand growers have
under an Option & Testing Agree-
have a low scuff susceptibility that can often plague many
embraced the opportunity to plant
ment [ota] to test and thence com-
pear varieties. Commercial activity for Piqa fruit is ramp-
PiqaBoo, which is seen as the most
mercialise any of the new isps from
ing up across a range of global supply origins.
exciting new fruit for growers in
the pfr breeding programme.
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.68-69.indd 68
17/01/2018 16:36
features
New Plant is a consortium created by the three major Italian cooperative groups: Apoconerpo, Apofruit
of its bright red colouration, conve-
tomers. The Piqa series is something
nience and sweet flavour”.
completely different and offers the
and Orogel Fresco, whose activities include the intro-
New Plant representatives visit-
uniqueness we were looking for to help
duction and testing of new selections, and promoting
ed pfr and Prevar in NZ on a couple
add a fresh dynamic to the category,”
the development and commercialisation of new culti-
of occasions during the interven-
says Harding.
vars on behalf of their shareholders and their growers.
ing years to complete due diligence
“The vibrant appearance and
Trial trees of the PiqaBoo brand selection have already
before negotiations began. Dr Mirco
refreshing eating experience is some-
been planted in the main European pear growing regions
Montefiori, an Italian kiwifruit scien-
thing we believe the customer is look-
under aign test agreements.
tist who had worked at pfr, joined New
ing for when they purchase fresh
aign is the nursery network with European mem-
Plant as its technical manager during
produce in today’s market.
bers, Starfruits [France] and Rene Nicolai [Belgium], who
the agreement negotiations and he
“We have started selling our
have a services agreement with Prevar that includes
added skilled resources to getting the
first UK-grown fruit this year to
importation, quarantine, testing and IP protection of
agreement concluded.
our UK customers and so far the
Prevar selections.
sales are going well with good cusUnique appeal in UK
tomer feedback. Currently we have
in 2013. New Plant responded to a Request for Proposal
The UK commercial rights have been
commercialised PiqaReo and Piqa-
document outlining the commercialisation and agree-
exclusively licensed also under an ota
Boo and are now assessing several
ment structure that Prevar were looking for.
to Worldwide Fruit. Tony Harding,
other varieties within the collection,
It helped that New Plant’s chairman, Piero Turroni,
Worldwide Fruit’s technical director,
with a view to expanding our vari-
is a long-term friend of pfr and Prevar, having visited
says that the group is very excited by
etal range under the Piqa brand.”
New Zealand on previous occasions and being famil-
the development of the PiqaBoo fruit
iar with the pfr breeding programme and Prevar’s com-
series by pfr and Prevar.
The European commercialisation process began back
Prevar is currently negotiating a further isp ota with a major indus-
“We believe there is an excellent
try party in North America and is
“I was looking globally for new fruit cultivars,” says
opportunity to increase pear con-
examining other complementary
Turroni. “I thought the isps were an outstanding inno-
sumption in the UK if we can find
commercialisation opportunities in
vation. I particularly liked the PiqaBoo selection because
the right varieties to attract new cus-
the Southern Hemisphere. _ E
mercial objectives.
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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69
17/01/2018 16:36
features
report —Apples and pears
Argentine quality shines through
Brazil bounces back
buenos aires—Low European stocks and favourable
Moisés Lopes of the Brazilian Apple Producers
growing conditions augur well for the Argentine topfruit
Association looks ahead to the coming season.
campaign.
How would you sum up the 2017 export season? Moisés Lopes: Brazil exported 55,400 tonnes of
by Maura Maxwell
apples last year, of which 28,800 tonnes were sent to Europe. This compares to a total of 30,636 tonnes in 2016, reflecting the recovery in production over 2016.
LEFT—Ariel Sabbag of Emelka
is confident that Argentina’s competitiveness will be restored
What’s the outlook for the coming season? ML: Last year we had one of the highest harvests in
stocks, meanwhile, were down 2.6
history, reaching 1.33m tonnes. For 2018 we should see a
per cent at 812,771 tonnes.
return to average production levels of 1-1.2m tonnes.
The forecast for the Argentine crop points to a 15 per cent drop in
Do you expect to see a big rise in shipments to India
apple volume and 2 per cent dip in
following its decision to allow imports of apples that
pear output compared with 2017.
have been subjected to cold treatment?
This is mainly due to a contraction
ML: There is a high expectation of a strong upturn
in acreage as growers are forced to
in demand for food in Asia. India is a very populous
abandon their orchards. However,
country where most people are vegetarian and
the absence of frosts has resulted in
which has registered significant economic growth.
good quality and sizes. Unfortunately,
What new developments have there been in the industry in the past year?
improvement and Sabbag insists
ML: Production area has stabilised at around
that the situation in Argentina has,
35,000 tonnes and the country has a conversion
if anything, worsened during the
rate of around 5 per cent a year. In terms of varietal
past year. “But the root of this crisis
developments, the main focus continues to be on
is costs, not quality,” he says. “Argen-
modern Gala and Fuji clones such as Maxy Gala,
tina is renowned for the quality of
Fuji Suprema and Fuji Mischima. We’ve also seen
its fruit, especially its pears. Our
significant growth in post-harvest infrastructure in
fruit industry anticipates a
varieties are popular throughout
recent years. Currently we have a storage capacity of
buoyant European market
the world – that is the absurdity of
more than 980,000 tonnes and our packhouses are
in 2018 due to the fall in EU apple and
the situation we face: we can’t pro-
among the most modern in the world.
pear stocks following last year’s freeze.
duce enough to satisfy demand but
“We’ve had more interest from import-
our costs are so high that this rele-
ers than we have in years,” says Ariel
gates our standing in the world.”
Sabbag of Emelka, a family-owned grower-exporter from the Río Negro.
p.70.indd 70
econom-
rgentina’s crisis-hit top-
A
70
the
ic outlook shows little sign of
Sabbag remains resolutely cheerful about the future, insisting “Argenti-
According to the World Apple
na has experienced these events
and Pear Association (wapa), as of
before and it’s only a matter of time
early December, European apple
before we return to competitive-
stocks had hit a nine-year low, total-
ness, as history shows. Hopefully
ling 3.45m tonnes compared with
we will see the Valley return to its
4.7m tonnes a year earlier. Pear
former splendour soon.” _ E
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 14:08
Fruit Attraction 2018 anuncio A4_Ok_cruces.pdf
1
10/1/18
17:50
23-25 OCT. 2018 INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW FOR THE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INDUSTRY
MADRID - SPAIN
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
1,600 exhibitors - 70,000 trade participants - 120 countries
www.fruitattraction.com IFEMA, Feria de Madrid 902 22 15 15 · (+34) 91 722 30 00 fruitattraction@ifema.es
ORGANISED BY
features
report —Pineapples
Staying ahead of the curve san jose—San José – eurofruit takes a look at Costa Rica’s constantly evolving pineapple export industry. by Maura Maxwell
E
mploying almost 48,000 people and generating
is confident that the category will see
started supplying the Iraqi market via
around US$900m in annual export revenue,
major growth over the coming decade
shipments from Turkey.
Costa Rica’s world-beating pineapple industry
as production volumes increase.
“It’s worth noting that our pine-
accounts for more than half of the global production of
“A number of growers have told
apples are highly sought in many dif-
the MD2 variety. Below we look at how two of the coun-
me that it’s easier to grow than the
ferent parts of the world, so planting
try’s producers are responding to new market trends.
MD2 variety as it requires fewer
decisions should not be made on the
chemical inputs, which means it
basis of any single market,” she says.
Organic pineapples
also lends itself to organic cultiva-
“Maintaining close commercial rela-
Together with Naturelle, The Greenery’s organics division,
tion,” he says.
tionships with our customers is the
Hagé has been developing its production of organic pineapples with a group of producers in Costa Rica.
most effective way of handling the New markets
inevitable periods of oversupply that occur in the pineapple industry.”
Although Costa Rica saw an increase in exports of
Although there is huge potential
organic pineapples last year, Hagé’s Frank Ocampo notes
in the Chinese market, Ocampo is
that production is still failing to keep pace with demand
not convinced that it will be able to
Crownless
in Europe. “The increased availability led to a stable market
import sufficient volumes of Costa
Alvarado says the market for crown-
and satisfactory prices throughout 2017 and we anticipate
Rican pineapples to ease pressure on
less pineapples is growing at a steady
that price levels will be maintained – or could even rise –
the European market during peri-
pace – albeit slowly. At present His-
over the coming year,” he tells eurofruit.
ods of peak supply – at least not in
pacori carries out weekly shipments
Hispacori is also looking to grab a slice of the action and
the short term. “Costa Rica’s export
from Costa Rica to Italy and Germany.
is set to embark on its first shipments of organic pineapples
offer is so large that the likelihood of
Ocampo notes that there was a
to Germany in early 2018, according to ceo Sonia Alvarado.
Europe and the US being undersup-
shift in the supply of crownless pine-
plied is slim,” he says.
apples in 2017, with increasing vol-
Red pineapples
According to the Ministry of
umes coming from Panama which is
There are several small trial plantings of red pineapples in
Agriculture, more than 58,000ha of
becoming a stronger competitor to
Costa Rica but it still not being grown in commercial vol-
land were registered for pineapple
Costa Rica.
umes as is the case in Brazil. The variety has sparked a huge
production last year through the gov-
“Crownless pineapples are a spe-
level of interest among international retailers and Ocampo
ernment’s Land Use Change Monitor-
cialist and high-risk niche, and as a
ing System, representing a five-fold
business the only way to make money
increase on 2000.
is through direct container shipments
Alvarado notes that the increase
to the end customer,” he says. “Selling
has come in response to grow-
them day by day is not really a profit-
ing demand from new markets like
able enterprise in the long term. _ E
Russia and Turkey, as well as China. Hispacori has just entered into a commercial alliance with a Russian distributor through which it hopes to boost exports to Russia and neighbouring markets like Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. It has also
72
p.72.indd 72
ABOVE—Hispacori will shortly be
making its first shipment of organic pineapples to Germany LEFT—Hagé’s Frank Ocampo
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 14:09
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17/01/2018 11:09
features
report —Packaging and technology
25 years of reusability studley—Alvaro Molina, country manager UK for Euro Pool System, updates eurofruit on the latest news in the field of reusable packaging across the European fresh supply chain. by Carl Collen
RIGHT—Euro Pool
System’s reusable crates displaying fresh produce
and eastern Europe. Upcoming projects are in the UK and France. 2018 will be the year where we will consolidate our presence in central and eastern Europe and come to agreements with relevant retailers in France and the UK. How is the market for your products or services currently? AM: Very positive! Our position is
W
hat have been the major
combination of logistic services and reusable packaging
growing every year, not only by suc-
developments at eps in the
based on rental and return. Our trays are the perfect solu-
cessfully adding new accounts to our
past 12 months?
tion for fresh and packaged food, ensuring efficient and
portfolio, but also by increasing the
reliable transportation. We also provide logistical servic-
use of our trays or increasing the ser-
Alvaro Molina: 2017 was a very impor-
es to our partners across Europe, from integrated service
vices we provide within the custom-
tant year for us with two major mile-
centres where Euro Pool System provides all the needed
ers’ supply chain. It’s part of our dna
stones. In December the company
reverse logistics to automated order picking projects. Every
to improve the benefits for our cus-
celebrated its 25th anniversary. Our
year we invest in washing capacity, service centres, trace-
tomers year by year, maintaining the
story began in 1992, when three pack-
ability, automatic order picking and E-web registration of
leadership on innovation as the larg-
aging pools, part of the cooperative
our packaging. In the last year a new service has become
est logistics service provider of reus-
auction houses in the Netherlands,
available, with benefits for all our customers: Smart Return
able standard packaging in Europe.
Belgium and Germany, put an end to
Logistics (srl). srl is an improved level of transparency on
the logistics impasse of inefficiency in
return logistics – this management system gives our cus-
the packaging of fresh produce.
tomers end-to-end insight on their packaging stock return
What long-term goals do you have?
In the last 25 years, Euro Pool
flows. With this service our customers fully outsource the
AM: One of the most important goals
System has become the primary
sorting when returning used trays to Euro Pool System.
for Euro Pool System is to contribute
player in the European chain for fresh
This means they can mix all different tray models on one
to CO2 emissions reduction, making
and packaged foods with its reus-
pallet, creating great savings on storage space, labour and
the European fresh supply chain
able and folding trays providing inno-
equipment at their premises, on top of keeping a perfect
more sustainable. Our trays can last
vation and synergy throughout the
traceability of the assets.
for ten years, are fully recyclable and
entire supply chain. The second mile-
are therefore much more durable
stone was the accomplishment of 1bn
Where are your key markets? Are you targeting any
than single-use packaging. In addi-
rotations a year with our trays.
new markets in 2018?
tion, our innovative logistics solutions contribute to CO2 reduction and sus-
What are your key services? What
AM: From our different branches we manage our Euro-
tainability in the fresh supply chain,
new services have you added?
pean network with 56 service centres in 14 European
both for our customers and all the
countries. Benelux, Germany and Spain are our key
stockholders within their supply
markets followed by our growing markets in central
chain. _ E
AM: Euro Pool System is a unique
74
p.74.indd 74
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
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Untitled-1 1
16/01/2018 15:00
FEATURES
REPORT —Packaging and technology
AgricolliBio rolls out laser labelling valencia—The organic kiwifruit growerexporter has become the latest company to move from paper to laser labelling. by Maura Maxwell
O
rganic kiwifruit grower
Peru. However, from 2018 company founder and man-
said. “At the moment, we are using
and marketer Agrocol-
aging director Alexander Feulner expects AgricolliBio’s
the machine almost exclusively for
liBio has announced a
kiwifruit business to grow further, with the addition of
our client ica, the Swedish super-
major investment in laser-labelling
year-round gold kiwifruit from the firm’s own produc-
market chain, to brand kiwifruit
technology in collaboration with
tion in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Feul-
with their ‘i love eco’ slogan, but we
technology provider Laser Food, as
ner emphasised that an important point of difference
also plan to begin laser labelling
the move away from wasteful paper
for the company is its focus on growing and exporting
other products, such as exotics.” _ E
labels gathers momentum across
its own organic production. “Everything is organic and
the continent. The company said it
we grow, which is a bit different to what you see on the
plans to expand the use of the tech-
market today where there are many marketers who buy
nology into exotics and other prod-
from many different companies and growers, whereas
ucts following positive feedback
we are the primary grower,” he explained.
from customers.
76
p.76.indd 76
AgricolliBio’s collaboration with Laser Food – the
Based in the Italian province of
company behind the Laser Mark laser-labelling tech-
Latina, AgricolliBio grows signif-
nology – began over a year ago when Feulner learnt
icant volumes of green kiwifruit
about the system during a visit to Spain and decided to
for export worldwide, with Italian
invest in it. Although AgricolliBio has only been work-
production supplemented by sup-
ing with the technology for a short time to label kiwi-
plies from its own growers in South
fruit, Feulner said the positive reception to the labels
Africa, enabling it to deliver year-
had encouraged the company to expand the system to
round availability. The core busi-
other products.
ness is supplemented by apples and
“So far, the system has been very interesting and the
pears from Italy, and ginger from
feedback from customers has been very positive,” he
The positive reception to the labels has encouraged the company to expand the system to other products ABOVE—Laser labelling in use on
kiwifruit at ica in Sweden
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
17/01/2018 15:46
Lungs We work in harmony with the environment in our different points of origin, taking care of the green spaces that provide oxygen to our planet. Together with the NGO ProYungas, we
study and protect the biodiversity of our farms in Tucumán. We promote the natural coexistence between wild areas and productive areas. Just because we want to grow in a better world.
FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE TO THE WORLD Argentina
www.sanmiguelglobal.com /sanmiguelglobal
Uruguay
South Africa
Peru
DISPATCHES Blog post —Loading Bay
tags
01 FEB
advertising
obesity
junk food
Posted by Tom Joyce
Advertisement brake Members of Parliament in the UK took a welcome breather from Brexit to kick off the new year, opting instead for a lighter debate on the effects of junk food advertising on childhood obesity. With the situation steadily worsening, many are calling for a ban on such adverts prior to the 9pm watershed. This is nothing new. The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, opted against a ban when pressed back in 2010, arguing that it “would also significantly reduce broadcaster revenues, to an extent inconsistent with a proportionate approach”. But would such a ban really be disproportionate? Ofcom estimates the total potential advertising revenue involved at £250m a year. No statistics exist on the costs of childhood obesity. However, given the nhs in England spent an estimated £5.1bn on obesity-related ill-health in 2014/15, we can guess it’s not an insignificant figure. On its own website, the government states: “We are confident that our approach will reduce childhood obesity while respecting consumer choice, economic realities and, ultimately, our need to eat.” Aside from the worrying point that “consumer choice” and “economic realities” appear to trump “our need to eat” in the government’s eyes, the chief problem appears to be this: Ofcom views transactions between advertisers and broadcasters as mutually beneficial, while viewing the effects on third parties as minimal. This is a well-known issue in mainstream economic theory: the troubling reality is that effects on third parties are significant and pervasive. The fresh produce industry suffers a double blow from Ofcom’s unwillingness to intervene. Not only are fruit and vegetables companies hopelessly outgunned when it comes to advertising budgets, they also face restrictions from Ofcom when making health claims, while its junk foodpeddling competitors are compelled to offer no health warnings whatsoever. Far from attempting to level the playing field, the government’s present approach appears to be to subsidise unhealthy food at the expense of both people and planet, with utterly predictable results. _ E
advertiser index
78
Aartsenfruit 21
Fruitnet Daily News
43
Prevar 69
Anecoop 55
Fruitnet Forum Colombia 2018
15
Procitrus 73
Asia Fruit Logistica 2018
19
Fruitnet.com 79
Rijk Zwaan
17
Asiafruit Congress 2018
41
Global Berry Congress 2018
San Miguel
77
BAMA Gruppen AS
29
Goodfarmer IBC
SATI / Joybells
49
BNS Biocyclic Network Services
13
Grapage / JK Enterprises
Unica Fresh
59
7 33
Capespan 47
Hansen 23
Uniharvest 2
Carrier Transicold
75
Hind Terminals
31
Unisorting 66
China Fruit Logistica 2018
11
IFEMA 71
Unitec 76
Citrosol 25
Kusibab-Wyka 63
VIP IFC
Ekland Marketing
67
Mission Produce
Westfalia 58
Euro Fruits India
BC
Mohammed A Sharbatly
Fresh Produce India 2018
35
Orri Jaffa
61
Fruchthandel Branchen-Guide 2018
65
Pacific Fruits
57
Fruit Logistica 2019
51
Planasa 24
39 5
World of Fresh Ideas 2018
45
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.78 Loading Bay.indd 78
17/01/2018 19:23
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DISPATCHES
Adding value in fresh vegetables Follow me
‘Cauliflower steak’ got a bashing in the UK last month as expensive and over-packaged. There are many other ways to add value in fresh vegetables. More photos at my photoblog at instagram.com/chrisfruitnet and follow the hashtag #freshideas
3,119 posts
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followers
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following
Small is beautiful
Sainsbury’s is ranging ‘baby’ vegetables in a very big way: smaller, more convenient, and significantly pricier than the standard product. New product lines
Lidl in the UK has been selling sweet-stemmed cauliflower, which is to a standard head of cauliflower like Tendersteam is to a piece of broccoli. Pasta replacement
Courgette spirals are now popular all over Europe as a substitute for pasta as shoppers look for a low-carb replacement. Local branding
Locally-grown and branded salad onions have been winning new sales in Norway. Local branding always seems to work well.
80
february 2018 - eurofruit magazine
p.80 Photo blog.indd 80
17/01/2018 15:47
Explore
more
The taste of nature
We cultivate our apples like a friendship. Have you ever wondered about the taste of friendship? We know it. It’s the taste of our apples. They are as tasty and genuine as only a special bond can be. A special bond like the one that unites our farmers and our apples, made with passion, time and commitment. For us, it’s always a matter of the heart, be it in friendship or in the work we do every day. This is why we have chosen the ladybirds as a symbol of friendship and care for our valley. Because in Val Venosta apples and friendship grow on the same soil. Word of the ladybirds.
Fruitlogistica 2018 Visit us: Hall 4.2 Stand B-11
www.vip.coop
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