UK-based fresh produce importer Chingford Fruit is expecting the biggest commercial volumes of the Oz peach and nectarine series from the Southern Hemisphere in 2013, following its first arrival into the UK last year.
Set to hit shelves of the majority of major UK supermarkets early October until December, the fruit will be imported from Southern Africa, and – following its initial crop in 2012 – is now a permanent feature of the UK stonefruit calendar.
“We’re really excited about the first Oz varieties of 2013,' said Shaun Hockey, commercial manager of stonefruit at Chingford. 'In comparison to its initial crop last year, where the trees were young and affected by frost, the quality of the fruit this year is fantastic and volumes are looking very positive as well.
“Not only is the quality of the Oz series excellent, the fruit also has a long shelf life, which is beneficial to the retailer, and of course the consumer, who is gaining great value too,' he added. “Oz series provides the grower and retailer access to strong early season fruit at a time where consistency has been difficult to achieve.'
Roger Horak from exporter United Exports is also anticipating a strong season, noting that his company had recieved programmes from Europe and the Middle East as well as the UK, with volumes soaring from 100,000 cartons last year to an expected 800,000 cartons.
Meanwhile, Whisky Albasi of Lonrho Fresh exports said: “We’re delighted with our first fruit of the season; it is fresh and tastes great. All the agronomic systems are in place for an excellent season. As a result of this, we’re expecting high volumes now that the trees are reaching optimum yields.
“We have also noticed a real sweetness and freshness with this crop, which is good news for the consumer,' Albasi added
