Gold kiwi fruits cultivated in South Africa

"The production of gold kiwi in South Africa started about 5 years ago. Year by year the production volumes have been increasing, and recently, the South African origin for kiwi gold is becoming known and appreciated on international markets,” explained Francesco Eichstaedt, export manager of the Italian company AgricolliBio.

AgricolliBio produces and markets green and gold kiwi 12 months a year, being able to meet the demand for organic gold kiwi when the Italian season comes to an end, with crops produced directly in South Africa.

"The cultivation of gold kiwi fruits in South Africa is advantageous because it allows production to be anticipated by about 4/5 weeks compared to New Zealand. In addition, the climatic conditions are ideal for the production of the actinidia fruit, which implies the production of a product that is very good in terms of organoleptic characteristics and with a good shelf life after its harvest."

"The gold kiwi is a reference that is very appreciated on the markets, prices are satisfactory, and sales are proceeding well. At the moment we are starting to harvest the gold kiwi fruit and we expect the first shipments from South Africa in a couple of weeks, although it would be best to have the goods arriving in Italy at the end of April."

"Unfortunately, because of the circumstances, the entire supply chain is experiencing various slowdowns and problems, starting with the delay in the delivery of goods and the increase in transport and packaging costs. On average, goods by sea are delivered with a delay of at least 3 weeks, and it is understandable that this weighs on the commercial front. In particular, delays at the port of Rotterdam are exceeding expectations, which is why we have decided to import our South African kiwis directly at the port of Civitavecchia, here in Italy. Another factor that we are strongly feeling this year is the increase in transport costs, with increases of up to 60% compared to last year."

"The red kiwi is in the production phase and we expect to have the first volumes available for European markets starting in 2023," concluded Eichstaedt.

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