Prim'land kiwifruit

Announced at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong last week, a new strategic alliance has been formed in France between Scaap Kiwifruits de France/Prim'land on the one hand and Lorifruit/Fruits-Union on the other.

The aims of the partnership are manifold, strengthening Prim'land's position as a leading marketer of French kiwifruit, while developing export opportunities.

It will also enhance Prim'land's network of packhouses, as well as increasing the marketer's supply from various French regions.

Equally, it will 'establish closer ties and awareness between French producers and distributors, via the management of the fruit-packing stations in the Landes, Lot et Garonne and Drôme regions,' the company revealed in a statement.

For Fruits-Union, the alliance will allow it to become a leading marketer of French stonefruit through the Lorifruit brand and the alliance's international network.

The partnership will also see all members devise a joint stonefruit and kiwifruit plantation development strategy in France, the long-term aim being to boost fruit planting in the country and to improve the export capacity of French products.

'The alliance aims to double plantation areas within 15 years,' the statement read, 'and calls for further partnerships in the future with those French entities and managers who so wish.'