"After several complicated years for our plum producers, marked by weather problems and a saturated market in 2023, this year is a major challenge for the future of our farms. What is at stake is our collective ability to support the production of quality French plums: producers, distributors, consumers," explains Claire Fayan, head of the plum division at Blue Whale.
Blue Whale is a key player in the apple sector and has been investing in plum diversification for several years. "Today, growers are reaping the rewards of many years of investment in a range of quality plum varieties. After a gradual increase in volumes in recent years, we want to consolidate our differentiated offer on the French and European markets. Diversification into plums is part of the Blue Whale farm diversification investment program to ensure long-term resilience."
As a result, 200 hectares of plum orchards have now been planted by some 50 growers from the Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot-et-Garonne and Gard departments, with a total potential of 5,000 tons. "Unfavorable weather and pollination conditions have prevented us from reaching this potential. We should reach around 4,000 tons this year. In terms of marketing, after gaining genuine recognition from the various distribution channels in France for the plum supply, and thanks to the growing importance of our orchards, we are developing our outlets on European markets."
Among the different varieties of plums that Blue Whale offers, those in the METIS range, the result of crossing a plum and an apricot, offer a strong differentiation in terms of taste and color. "We can achieve exceptional taste quality, recognized by consumers. Blue Whale offers several varieties to supply the market throughout the plum season, from July to November. These include the Sunny Day, a yellow plum (July), Oxy Solar, a red plum with red flesh (August to October) and Sunset Sky, a red plum with yellow flesh (late September to November).
"The plum category has not yet fully found its place in the summer fruit aisles, and the challenge is now to transform impulse buying into programmed buying, and we are convinced that our taste range has all the qualities to succeed in this challenge."
For more information:
Claire Fayan
Blue Whale SAS
BP 417
82004 Montauban
Phone: +33 05.63.21.56.56