Approximately 5m trays of Nergi-branded baby kiwis, or kiwiberries, are expected to be harvested in France in 2017, according to Saf Agr’idées.
The season lasts from late August until mid-November, with production controlled by around 60 arboriculturists in Les Landes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Gers and Lot-et-Garonne.
Production is continuously growing, with Nergi’s growers cultivating according to the principles of reasoned agriculture, applying water and fertiliser sparingly to the plants, which require no chemical intervention to combat diseases. The fruit currently retails at €2.50 per tray.
In 2005, Sofruileg, a subsidiary of Les Landes-based cooperative Kiwifruits de France, discovered new varieties from natural crosses in China and New Zealand, with a longer shelf life than traditional varieties.
Sofruileg acquired the production rights for Europe and created the Nergi brand to accompany its marketing efforts in the main European markets.
The market for kiwiberries in Europe is currently being driven by Sofruileg and its three commercial operators, Primland in France, PortPrimland in Portugal and Ortofruit in Italy.
