South African company Capespan is increasing production of the trademarked plum cultivar African Delight to meet rising demand for the variety in the UK.
According to Capespan Exports technical advisor Michiel Bester, one leading UK retailer acknowledged the so-called 'über-plum' as one of its finest lines. Capespan exported a total of 7,000 cartons of the fruit in 2007/08.
As one of two companies that two years ago obtained the exclusive rights to African Delight until 2012, Mr Bester said it is technical expertise which gives Capespan Exports the edge. 'Over two years, this expertise was applied in trials to reduce shrivelling on the cultivar,' he revealed.
Recognising the plum's potential in terms of world-wide demand, the company named it African Delight to extend the African theme of its yellow plum range African Pride. The name has also proved to be a winner with consumers, said Mr Bester.
The red plum, which Mr Bester says is usually a colour favoured by UK consumers, is said to be a good size, to have great storage ability – which means the marketing period can be manipulated – and to have 'excellent eating quality' with sugars at an 'unheard-of level' for South African plums, between 16° and 20° brix.
'About 20 producers have planted the variety, because they immediately recognised African Delight's outstanding prospects,' commented Mr Bester. 'We simply can’t keep up with demand. For the 2008/09 season, we estimate exports of 15,000 cartons and expect substantial export volumes within the next five years.'
