Vitafresh Produce have had connections in South Africa for a number of years. This includes an exclusive partnership with Jan Hendrick to export the Pink Box butternut squash. Managing Director Daniel Badger took the South African side of the business a step further by moving out to Cape Town in May this year.
"We wanted to grow the business and this was a perfect opportunity to do so. It is great to just be able to jump in the car and go and see the growers," said Daniel. "In addition to our butternut squash exports, we have started with small volumes of citrus and blueberries. We currently have some premium Navel Lates on the water, the volumes are small as yields have been low this year. We will also export Valencias, Delta and Mid Knight varieties, these have great taste and shelf life. Easy peelers and lemons are also being exported."
"The UK market is difficult at the moment due to the controversy around Citrus Back Spot, if the fruit is rejected in Europe it is then being dumped in the UK, causing the pricing to off."
Vitafresh will send blueberries via airfreight to the UK and Europe, this will be small volumes and will be dependent on the local production and market demand. "We have heard there may be a shortage of local supply, so have fruit available for export."
For more information:
Daniel Badger
Vitafresh Produce
Tel: +44 (0) 7944461019
[email protected]