Jingold is once again among the leading Italian exhibitors at Asia Fruit Logistica, Asia’s main fresh produce trade fair, taking place from 2 to 4 September at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong.
Now in its 19th edition, the event brings together the entire international supply chain for three days, from production and retail to logistics, packaging and technology, providing a platform to identify new trends and market opportunities and develop business relationships.
For Jingold, an Italian company and global kiwi specialist, the event provides a strategic opportunity to meet customers and international buyers and review the outlook for the new commercial season, which begins with positive prospects and a further increase in volumes, particularly for yellow- and red-fleshed kiwifruit.
“As part of our strategy for non-European markets, which continues to focus on increasing marketed volumes, Asia plays a leading role,” explains Moreno Armuzzi, Sales Manager at Jingold. “China remains our main market in the region, alongside several Southeast Asian countries, including South Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia, where we are particularly active with yellow kiwifruit.”
Yellow kiwi volumes expected to rise by at least 20%
Asia Fruit Logistica takes place just a few weeks before the start of the new Northern Hemisphere Jingold kiwi season.
Initial field assessments in Italy indicate slightly earlier ripening. However, the company’s technical and quality team will determine the optimum harvesting time for each variety and individual lot, based on the fruit reaching the appropriate organoleptic parameters.
The commercial season is expected to begin in mid-October with red-fleshed kiwi, followed by yellow kiwi at the end of October and green kiwi in November.
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Prospects are particularly positive for yellow-fleshed kiwi, Jingold’s core business, where the company expects to continue the growth recorded in recent years.
“We expect volumes to increase by at least 20% compared with last season,” says Armuzzi. “This growth will enable us to respond even more effectively to global demand, which continues to increase.”
Exotic Red moves from novelty to established product
The growth of Exotic Red, Jingold’s red-fleshed kiwi, is continuing in parallel, with a further increase in availability expected this season.
“Increasing volumes remains our primary objective for a product that is attracting growing interest from customers and consumers in our main end markets,” Armuzzi continues.
“Red kiwi is gradually moving from being a curiosity to becoming an established product within the category. More and more consumers are familiar with it and look forward to finding it back on supermarket shelves at the end of October.”
International markets remain ‘permanently unstable’
This growth is taking place against an international backdrop that continues to present significant challenges, particularly in terms of logistics and geopolitics.
“International markets are now ‘permanently unstable’, with high costs, longer container ship transit times than in the past and the possibility of further geopolitical disruption,” Armuzzi explains.
“However, the fresh produce sector continues to demonstrate strong resilience, and Jingold is planning a commercial season aimed at further consolidating its position in overseas markets.”
Against this backdrop, Asia Fruit Logistica has a significance that goes beyond the trade fair itself.
“It is an important opportunity to meet key buyers for our customers and to observe first-hand the trends and dynamics of a region that is becoming increasingly important in global trade, and not only in fresh produce,” Armuzzi concludes.
