Kiwis are being grown in secret in Kent as one of the UK’s biggest fruit marketers works on supplying subtropical fruit from the ’Garden of England’.
At a secret location, a hectare of vines imported from Italy and Greece were planted last May and are growing at a substantial rate, which could mean the first fruit will be commercially evaluated in two years.
It is the result of an initiative from Worldwide Fruit, (WFL), one of the UK's leading fruit marketing organisations owned by the Fruition Producer Organisation and Turners & Growers. WFL current core businesses include the sale of apples, pears, avocado, dates and UK stonefruit to a range of the UK retailers.
It is hoped the crop will eventually provide additional new diversification opportunities for Fruition grower members. WFL is looking to capitalise and provide its customers with an import substitute which aid its green credentials.
Harvesting is expected to take place in October, although kiwis store well and can be kept for up to six months without significant quality issues making harvesting more flexible.
Plans to take the trial forward began in 2008, using the expertise of New Zealand kiwifruit growers who have over 50 years cultural experience and selection of the most suitable varieties.
Tony Harding, technical director at WFL, said: "It is another example of our close international co-operative joint ventures. Working jointly on the project with one of our shareholders Turners & Growers has enabled us to source exclusive T&G varieties to offer a unique point of difference.
"The UK project is a small part to the overall T&G Kiwi global development plan in which we are delighted to be involved. WFL will have sole marketing rights to sell these new exciting varieties in the UK."
Some 1,200 vines have now been planted. The varieties planted to date have been green Hayward types, although Harding reveals that there are plans to plant in 2011 both yellow flesh kiwis which are becoming increasing popular with consumers, and introduce some of the latest discoveries which are red fleshed.
Fruit development technologist Caroline Ashdown has been impressed with the way the new vines are performing.
She said: "Obviously it is a new experience for us but we are confident it will be successful in some degree as we get to understand the vines' physiology. They need good pollination, but do not suffer from mildew or canker like other deciduous fruit.
"The site has also been carefully chosen to provide good drainage, as the vines don't like to get their feet wet, and while they can withstand several degrees of frost, it is also sheltered."
Kiwi vines grow so fast that when mature their growth can almost be measured daily. As a result following the practice throughout the world they are being trailed on wires strung across solid concrete supports.
"It's early days yet, but we are excited by the prospects of producing a commercial viable UK grown Kiwifruit crop," added Harding.
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