Los Angeles-based fresh produce group Giumarra will import New Zealand-grown apricots and cherries this season to complement the firm’s existing deal with Chilean suppliers.
The programme forms part of a new agreement with local grower-exporter RD8 Fresh Produce, according to a press release from Giumarra.
“We are confident in the superior quality of this fruit and think it will be perfect to complement our stonefruit from Chile,” said Craig Uchizono, vice-president of the Southern Hemisphere for the Giumarra Companies.
The cherries are already being shipped, with volume set to peak in mid-January until mid- February, while the apricot supply will conclude in early March.
Giumarra is supplying the fruit to both the US East and West Coasts.
“RD8 Fresh Produce is a young, innovative and forward-thinking company with a wealth of experience, headed by Craig Hall and Dean Astill,” explained Uchizono. “We are happy to be working with them.”
According to RD8 Fresh Produce, growing conditions have been excellent in the growing region of Central Otago and fruit quality is high.
“The apricot season is progressing well. Temperatures have lifted and the fruit growing nicely,” Astill noted. “The best of the export apricots will begin harvest in early January.”
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