Core Fruit is one of fourteen global licensees of Sekoya blueberries. In addition to Sekoya, Core Fruit also exports other open varieties to mostly retail clients in the UK, Europe, the Far East, and the Middle East.
Right: Sekoya Pop™'s berry size profile, shelf life, and eating quality create "very high demand across all territories"
"In 2024 the market was short on blueberries in the early South African/Zimbabwean window because Peru was slow out of the starting blocks and the early production areas from South Africa had frost damage," remarks Rouxan Jansen van Rensburg of Core Fruit.
"Last season we already took commercial volumes from Mashare in Namibia as well and we will start this year with Sekoya Pop™ from Zimbabwe."
He continues: "Sekoya Pop™ 's bigger berry profile (18mm+), strong shelf life, and great eating quality puts it in very high demand with our customer base across all territories. In particular, our customers in the Far East and South East Asia were very complimentary and excited about the consistent bigger berry size and eating quality."
Rouxan Jansen van Rensburg from Core Fruit
There is much focus on new plantings of Sekoya Pop™ in the region and between 2025 and 2026 there will be a good allocation of hectares planted between South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
"We are excited to be able to bring this fantastic product to the market in due course. Last season offered decent prices for blueberries before the Peruvian peak and I believe that is the reason for the positive sentiment held by the industry at the moment."
He observes that they ran a very successful sea freight program and that the Sekoya Pop™ "arrived in great condition - in line with one of the key characteristics of the variety. With ongoing logistical challenges, you need genetics with a better shelf life to overcome this headache. From experience, we know Sekoya Pop™ gives you this."
He says that they understand that there will be fewer airfreight opportunities in the coming years. "This will emphasize the importance of firmness and shelf life needed for the longer journey in any variety that is shipped. Sekoya Pop™ is perfect for this."
For more information:
Rouxan Jansen van Rensburg
Core Fruit
Tel: +27 21 863 6300
Email: info@corefruit.com
https://www.corefruit.com/