Origine Group ships to the overseas markets the last containers of italian kiwi, in a season full of both problems and achievements
Alessandro Zampagna, Managing Director of Origine Group
By March the last containers of Italian kiwis will be shipped by Origine Group to overseas markets. This season was definitely challenging due to the reduction in volume and sizes of the Italian green kiwi, and to the very strong turbulence on the logistics front, but which has nevertheless seen a further development of the sales of the Italo-Chilean Consortium.
“The decrease in volume of the Italian green kiwi harvested in 2020, together with a growing global demand and a strong dollar, has led to a complex situation – says the Managing Director of Origine Group, Alessandro Zampagna – On the one hand we gave priority to established business partners leaving out non-strategic sales, on the other hand prices went up but competition with the Greek product was particularly difficult, especially in the first part of the season.”
“Moreover, this year the logistical difficulties have multiplied, mainly due to the pandemic. Increases in fares, congested ports, last-minute changes and cancellations – continues Zampagna – in short, a very demanding season where we have done our best to ensure the arrival of the kiwi to our customers.” Nevertheless, overseas markets continued to provide satisfaction, with a 21% increase in the volume sold and well over 100 containers shipped. Sales were satisfactory on both the Far East and North America markets and for both the Sweeki and Made in Blu brands.
Although overseas shipments of Italian kiwis will end in a couple of weeks, sales continue in Europe, where demand remains good and the market interesting, in the prospect of a positive end to the season. “We are already preparing the Chilean kiwi season, thanks to our partners Copefrut and David Del Curto, following the strategy of continuity of the branded product on the shelves all year round.” For the Chilean kiwi, demand is also on the rise, in line with the public appreciation of kiwi as a superfood, thanks to its exceptional nutritional content.
About Origine Group
The consortium Origine Group was founded in 2015 by several companies, leaders in the international markets in the production and trading of fresh fruit and vegetables. The consortium represents companies already firmly present on the domestic and international markets, with a total turnover of over 1,200 million dollars, which have joined their resources to provide a top-quality product, working together on innovation and new varieties to look out into new emerging markets. Origine Group member are the Italian groups Apofruit, Frutta C2, Gran Frutta Zani, Kiwi Uno, Minguzzi, Salvi-Unacoa, Spreafico and the Chilean groups David Del Curto and Copefrut.
