Primland kiwifruit: Chilean crop soars 20 percent as South African season kicks off strong
French marketer-grower Primland has officially kicked off its southern hemisphere kiwifruit season with renewed optimism. The firm’s South African Oscar Gold kiwifruit supply is looking “very promising”, the company said in a release.
The first containers of the season are already on their way to the old Continent. The shipments follow a full year of orchard work and coordination with partner growers.
According to the campaign announcement, exporters expect South African fruit with “golden flesh, well-balanced sweetness, and a melting texture.” The program relies on a network of South African growers with whom the company says it has built partnerships for over seven years.
The exporter said the production model emphasizes agronomic practices, sustainability, and supply-chain oversight to deliver consistent quality for international buyers.
Meanwhile, the company’s Chilean crop is projecting a 20 percent yield increase for its green variety, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of the total volume.
Primland’s Business Development Manager, Etienne Malaguti, told FreshFruitPortal.com that favorable weather and orchard management were key in achieving the Chilean uptick.
“In January, we were concerned about smaller fruit size,” he says. “But favorable weather conditions ultimately supported strong growth, resulting in satisfactory sizing. Additionally, the water availability in Chile has allowed us to expect excellent fruit quality this year.
The Andean country remains one of the world’s key kiwifruit exporters, supplying the United States, Europe, and Asia when Northern Hemisphere production is out of season.
Primland’s crown jewel
Despite the larger crop and improved sizing, Primland continues to closely monitor trade flows.
“Market conditions this year are challenging, because expectations are high,” Malaguti says. “While higher kiwifruit prices seen in the past years show consumer interest, we need to pay close attention to any market changes as international trade can sometimes be uncertain”.
Alongside its traditional green varieties, Primland continues expanding its yellow-fleshed kiwi program. Malaguti says the Oscar® Gold variety currently accounts for about ten percent of its supply this season in Chile, but there’s room for growth.
“This number should increase in the following years, thanks to the rise in yields, as well as new plantings,” he notes.
Malaguti says the variety helps the company maintain a full product portfolio under its Oscar® brand. “Gold kiwifruit availability is crucial for us, and clients greatly value the variety,” he says.
Malaguti notes that the golden flesh variety, known for its sweeter taste, is more complex to produce than Haywards, the most widely grown green cultivar.
Looking ahead, the executive says Primland will continue tracking demand, pricing, and logistics developments as the season progresses.
“While the season’s larger volumes and great quality give us a solid foundation, geopolitics, logistics, and currency variations can always introduce new challenges. Our focus remains on adaptability and responsiveness, ensuring that we meet our quality commitments guaranteed by the Oscar® brand,” he adds.
*Main photo courtesy of Primland | All other images are referential.
Related stories
Zespri kiwifruit sales soar 46 percent, leading the fastest-growing fruit category
Primland expands yellow kiwifruit offer from Southern Hemisphere
Subscribe to our newsletter
