Israeli produce giant Agrexco has enjoyed a highly successful quarter with its Bio Top organic range, with salad lines such as peppers and tomatoes standing out as the star performers.

“This is the first year that the Ramiro variety of pepper has been available in commercial volumes after successful trials in 2006, and it has really taken off,” explained product manager for Agrexco Tel Aviv Eitan Kurant.

“At Agrexco, we have worked consistently on developing speciality lines, which gives us a point of difference. Products such as our organic mini plum and piccolo tomatoes may be difficult to grow, but they really meet UK category managers’ requirements.”

Israeli salad supplies are coming to an end as UK production becomes available, but root crops are now on the rise.

“Up to now it has been a moderately fair season, but it is now gaining momentum and we are within four to six weeks of the start,” said Kurant. “We have enjoyed a wonderful sweet potato season, with a 170 per cent increase in sales from last year. Whereas once it was considered an exotic, it is now a commodity line.”

Bio Top is now in its third season, and feedback from the multiples has been good, according to Kurant. The company is also working with Chantenay carrots alongside traditional carrots, a product that is still niche but rapidly growing in consumer recognition.

“It is also the first year that we have supplied organic melons in the spring to the UK,” said Agrexco UK general manager Amos Orr. “It hasn’t been an easy season but fruit is of exceptionally high eating quality and demand is exceeding supply. Sweetcorn, potatoes and fresh herb supplies are also good.

“Overall, demand for Agrexco’s organic produce is continually increasing,” he added.

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