Bangkok-headquartered fresh produce importer Cititex marked the official entry of Spanish cherries into Thailand this year with a promotional launch featuring demonstrations, tastings and special offers at leading retailer Gourmet Market, The Mall Bangkae, in the Thai capital in July.
Cititex said it organised the event to alert Thai consumers to the availability of the fruit following the Spain-Thailand cherry access agreement earlier this year.
Under the deal, which took several years to negotiate, Spanish cherries must be shipped by sea and subjected to cold-treatment, Cititex revealed.
Spanish ocean arrivals will neatly follow the end of the US cherry season and coincide with premium Canadian airfreighted offer, Wongsakorn Chatamornwong, Cititex executive director of operations, explained.
“With Spanish and Canadian cherries, Thai consumers will have two great options of cherries in July from two origins depending on their budget and requirements,” he said.
“We are planning to develop this item in our market for years to come, and that cherries are just one of many Spanish fruits that will gain access to Thailand over the next few years.”
July also saw debut arrivals of Peruvian avocados into Thailand after a new export protocol came into force on 11 May.
Feedback from the market has so far been positive, said Chatamornwong, whose company imported small volumes by air and sea.
“Peruvian avocado will fill the gap in our market, making imported avocado available to Thai consumers almost year-round,” he said.
“This year is more about trialling the product. We are looking forward to getting into full swing in terms of volumes and promotions next season.”
Peruvian avocado supply overlaps with New Zealand volumes for about one month on the Thai market, and will be similarly positioned price-wise, Chatamornwong added.
