The red-fleshed plum season is coming to an end at Icon Fruit and the last volumes of Flavor King will be shipped this week.
Right: Honey Punch plums
“We selected red-fleshed plums for our health-conscious customers who were looking for red-fleshed plums because of their high antioxidant levels, and to have a point of difference, something to distinguish us. Our idea has always been to be able to offer a whole range of red-fleshed plums,” says Jako van Lill, commercial manager at Icon Fruit.
He notes that while red-fleshed plums aren’t new, awareness of the health benefits of the red flesh has increased over the past few years, buoyed by the availability of new hybrids.
“In South Africa we’re still planting red-fleshed plums in the gaps where we currently don’t have enough volumes,” explains Lohan Marais, commercial director at Icon Fruit. “We are always keeping an eye on new cultivars. There’s always room for improvement – better shelf life, better eating quality - so we’re always keeping abreast with cultivar development and looking out for cultivars that would make sense during strategic times of the season.”
Icon Fruit’s weekly plum and pluot (and other stonefruit) tastings at their Paarl office has been an education to the uninitiated of the exceptional flavour profile possible in plums, Lohan remarks. Plums don’t share the same cachet in South Africa as in the export markets but local retailers are trying to revitalize the category, he says.
Ruby Dawn plums (photos supplied by Icon Fruit)
Current plum season engenders very cautious optimism
Plums in general are experiencing a better season after the difficulties of last season, he continues. “It does feel like the volumes are coming along slower than expected, but the volumes are expected to be in line with last year. We’re very, very cautiously optimistic about the plum season in general.”
They’ll be loading plums until week 19, ending with Flavor Fall and Autumn Treat at the tail-end of the season.
Right: Ruby Crisp plums
“The market that’s been the most difficult has been the Middle East where prices have been under pressure after big arrivals. Fortunately it’s looking like the pre-Ramadan market could be picking up now.”
Loading and shipping remain a headache. “Vessels are taking longer than average to turn around. Shipping is difficult, it’s our biggest challenge this season,” says Lohan.
“At this stage we’re focused on containers. Equipment availability is not a major obstacle, but it’s the loading in port that is challenging and slower than we’d like.”
For more information:
Icon Fruit
Tel: +27 21 860 1800
Jako van Lill
Email: [email protected]
Lohan Marais
Email: [email protected]
www.iconfruit.co.za