The French cooperative Blue Whale®, with the apple season practically over,
announced record turnover figures across all its markets. "This season has been defined by a good harvest both in terms of volume and quality," states Marc Peyres, commercial director at Blue Whale.
"However, none of this would have been possible without the work we have carried out for years on innovation in order to adapt to changing conditions and market expectations. This is a long journey that encompasses all areas of the business, from farmers to marketing, sales and supply. This success comes from the ongoing effort of everyone, as well as their
professionalism" adds Peyres.
Candine, Coeur de Reine and Pink Lady were the varieties that brought the most joy to
the French company this season. While Candine tripled sales driven by its popularity in
Asia, Coeur de Reine conquered the national market by doubling its sales figures in
France. Lastly, with remarkable sales growth of 30% globally, Pink Lady represents what
Peyres considers to be "the most notable development of the season."
Looking to the future, growth continues to depend on innovation for Blue Whale. "90%
of the varieties we sell today didn't exist 35 years ago. It is likely that most of those that
we will sell in 30 years do not exist yet. We must continue to work hard to prepare for the future while supporting the success of varieties such as Pink Lady, which we developed 30 years ago. Coeur de Reine, Candine and others that will emerge will be the ones that succeed in the future", states Peyres.
Supply throughout entire year and sustainable management
Ensuring the supply of quality fruit 365 days a year in the many markets it operates in, is
another of the company's priorities. They include increasing the production schedule
with late-ripening varieties such as Joya, extending the season of the French Pink Lady,
investing in cold storage and optimising the entire process from the harvest to handling
in packaging plants.
The sustainable management of orchards is another of the cornerstones of the company
to ensure stable volumes and quality. "Over the last few seasons, the variability in quality
due to extreme weather events has determined the dynamics of markets. We must be ready for climate change and ensure the protection of crops, not only against hail but also against spring frosts," states Peyres. Blue Whale is leading the ambitious (Ré)Génération Fruit research project.
Extensive portfolio of premium fruits
Blue Whale is adding pears, green and yellow kiwis, with a new fruit plant devoted to kiwis opened this season; plums especially the Metis variety and Apirena seedless table grapes. This new fruit segment already provides a turnover of over 40 million Euros for Blue
Whale and is expected to grow over the next five years.
For more information:
Blue Whale Fruit Ltd.
Tel: +33 (0)5 63 21 56 56
E-mail: [email protected]
www.blue-whale.com