The new kiwi berry season has started at Coöperatie Hoogstraten in Belgium. This fruit, related to the kiwi, is still relatively unknown to many, though the cooperative has been marketing it in late summer for about ten years. This season's outlook is positive: harvesting should last eight weeks this year, double that of last year, with a volume of 30 tons compared to last year's five. "Things look great for the coming season," says Shannen Dienn of Coöperatie Hoogstraten.
© Cooperatie Hoogstraten CV
Strong growth thanks to good weather
She says the considerable volume increase is mainly thanks to a warm spring, with sporadic wet periods. "It's a fairly sensitive fruit, so last year's cultivation conditions were difficult. Recently, the weather has been ideal for kiwi berries. Although climate change poses challenges for many products, it appears to benefit kiwi berries. This year, we have excellent skin quality, and the fruits are larger than in previous years." The harvest began with the Geneva variety, followed by Weiki in late August. The kiwi berry season should run until mid or late October.
© Cooperatie Hoogstraten CV
Most people are unfamiliar with kiwi berries. "Nevertheless, we easily find a good place for our volumes every year. We have the advantage of working with loyal retail partners who join us in the kiwi berry story every year. We're also, once again, having social media campaigns and are working with influencers and chefs to showcase this wonderful product's possibilities," Shannen explains. They target a very broad audience. "It's easy to take along and fits in with the current demand for healthy, ready-to-eat products."
© Cooperatie Hoogstraten CV
Coöperatie Hoogstraten currently works with eight growers that, together, produce the entire supply. The kiwi berries are processed and sorted locally, using technologies such as optical sorting technology, which automatically determines ripeness and size. Shannen does not have to ponder whether the cooperative still sees potential in the kiwi berry. "Certainly. We rarely struggle to sell this fruit. Of course, it takes some work, but as long as our growers are committed, we'll market this product in the best possible way. If we can also help consumers understand what to do with it, kiwi berries still have a bright future," she concludes.
For more information:
Coöperatie Hoogstraten
Tel: +32 3 340 02 11
[email protected]
www.hoogstraten.eu