A Bristol wholesaler claims to be the first to import giant passion fruit to the UK in an attempt to spread romance this Valentines Day.
The French Garden's David Foster told FPJ the fruit arrived just in time for the Saturday market before the big day.
Confronted with the challenge to put passion back into the industry, the wholesaler set out to introduce 'Giant Passion Fruit' on to Bristol market following a visit from two growers from Vietnam.
The French Garden's William Mapley told FPJ: "After an in-depth commercial approach into how to market this unique product, it became clear that we needed to act fast, and so we set about the task of bringing this product to Bristol from Vietnam in time for Valentines Day.
"The purchase was made, the fruit were being packed and made ready for shipping, it was now time to rapidly learn how to import."
It was vital that these fruits arrived on Bristol Market for Saturday morning to maximise sales, so the French Garden set about firstly finding a clearing agent (H&M Freight Services), registering with FERA, as the product had to be entered on the PEACH system and inspected, and then registering with HMRC as an importer.
There were also several links that had to be made between these agencies and essential paperwork that had to be filled out to make it run smoothly.
Geographically, Heathrow is roughly 100 miles along the M4, but Mapley said to arrange transport for a Friday night was a challenge in itself, so a van and driver were hired.
"Finally clearance was given at 10.15pm by DEFRA Plant Health Imports and the business was ready to go," he said.
"Keeping in contact with the driver, by 3am it was confirmed, they had finally arrived at The French Garden Bristol ready for Saturday morning market.
"Now there was the task of selling 250 boxes (500kg) of these very special polished Giant Passion Fruit. After fierce but passionate sales, David Foster said 'say it with flowers' could soon be replaced with 'say it with passion fruit'!"
It has now been distributed in Devon, Cornwall, Cheltenham, Taunton, Cardiff and Bristol.
