Capespan Gold-branded grapes will be packed in Brazil for the first time during the 2008/09 season, following the launch of the premium label on South African and Chilean fruit earlier this year.
The label is currently distributed among top-end customers in the UK and continental Europe, and has been well received according to Geoff Green, Capespan International’s procurement director.
“We are confident Brazil can be a really important source of Capespan Gold grapes,” Mr Green told Fruitnet.com.
“The specification for the brand is very high, so volumes from Brazil are modest at the moment, but a consistent quantity per week will be available in the UK and continental Europe.”
For the right growers, Mr Green claims Capespan Gold production will be a way of achieving the premiums needed to sustain top quality grape production in Brazil.
“Capespan Gold appeals to specialist retailers, wholesalers and caterers and commands a premium price,” he explains.
The first fruit to carry the label – specially selected Thompson Seedless grapes from Namibian supplier Rapiprop – arrived in the second week of January this year.
