Western Fresh Marketing has apparently become the first US importer to receive fresh figs from Chile, following the opening up of the US market to the fruit.
According to a report by The Produce News, the import group off-loaded the first consignment at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York on 13 April.
George Kragie, president of Western Fresh Marketing, said the company was the first to receive a permit to import Chilean figs under new rules announced in the 4 April Federal Register.
“We’re quite excited,” Mr Kragie told The Produce News. “The first arrival was very good.”
Western Fresh Marketing sourced the first shipment from Hortofruticola Sudamericola via its Chilean office which was opened last year to accommodate an anticipated 25 per cent growth in overall import volume from Chile this year.
Given that the Chilean growing season does not overlap with California, Mr Kragie said the addition of Chilean fresh figs will award the company an almost year-round fig supply programme.
“Our man on the ground `in Chile` is very close to the growers,” noted Mr Kragie, explaining that Western Fresh Marketing was approached by a grower, paving the way for the initial shipment to New York.
The limited 2011 import season will end in early May, according to Mr Kragie, giving the trade a chance to “address proper protocols and ensure that product flows in a smooth and orderly manner”.
As of 17 April, Western Fresh Marketing is handling Chilean fresh figs on both the US East and West Coasts.
Western Fresh Marketing is already a major marketer of California figs and also sources kiwifruit from Chile, Italy and the US, as well as Asian pears and quince.
In addition to kiwifruit, Western Fresh will source Asian pears, Packham’s pears, persimmons, quince and pomegranates from Chile in 2010.
