Tomato kaki, as it is called in the Alto Palancia region of Castellón, its native growing region, is regaining popularity and surface area after years in which it seemed to be disappearing, thanks to the differentiation of this variety.
"We started the tomato kaki season in the first week of September and we are already selling the last batches," stated Cecilia Taboada, sales manager of Blasco Fruit, in Segorbe, Castellón. "In the last six years, we have been recovering crop area because many farmers were abandoning this variety consumed in this area for several generations."
"The key was to give it value because it is a different and unusual variety. It is small and has soft flesh, translucent skin, and a deep red color. We pack it differently than other kaki because of its small size. In addition, it is consumed differently than the popular Rojo Brilliante or 'Persimmon' type. In addition, its taste is really sweet, between 18 and 20 degrees Brix," she said.
Little by little, Blasco Fruit has been opening up markets outside its local area and reaching different countries. "At the national level, we are selling this product in the south of Spain, where people are more used to consuming Sharon kaki. We are also marketing it throughout Catalonia," Cecilia Taboada stated.
"The tomato kaki is a unique product that differentiates us from most competitors. We already have a good crop that serves as a pre-campaign for Rojo Brillante. We hope to increase volumes as its popularity increases," she stated.
Blasco Fruit has also recently started with the Rojo Brillante kaki season. "We started the season in the second week of October with the first shipments. We have a higher sales forecast than last year and our goal is to extend supply as much as possible," Cecilia stated.
According to this company's sales manager, the calibers will be smaller in general because "the rains have come too late in this mostly dry year." Cecilia highlighted the diversification of the company's markets, from European countries to more distant destinations such as Brazil, Costa Rica, Canada, Asian countries, the Middle East, and Africa.
"We've already sold approximately 70% of our production. Now we'll try to sell the second category product. This is more complicated, but we're finding space in Eastern European countries," she added.
For more information:
Cecilia Taboada
Blasco Fruit S.L.
Tel: +34 964 108453
Mobile: +34 665508676
Email [email protected]
http://www.blasco-fruit.es/