(29 November 2010) European kiwi fruits are the protagonists on the global market thanks to the “European Flavors” (www.europeanflavors.eu) project financed by the European Union, Italy and the CSO – Centro Servizi Ortofrutticoli (Fresh Produce Service Centre) with the aim of promoting consumption of EU fresh and processed fruit and vegetables in countries such as United States, Russia and Japan. With an investment of 4 million euros for the 2008/2010 three year period, “European Flavors” includes fresh products (oranges, pears, plums, peaches, nectarines and of course kiwi fruit) mainly with IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) certification and processed products (tomato and fruit products, canned vegetables and legumes, canned fruits and frozen products).
As far as kiwi fruit is concerned, Europe is undoubtedly one of the most important areas for this fruit with its approximately 660,000 tons produced (2009 statistics), cultivated using modern production techniques in total respect for the environment and health. The fruit has high nutritional value and excellent organoleptic standards to satisfy the palates of even the most demanding consumers. Inside the European continent, Italy is the main producer of kiwi fruit with sales production over recent years at around 470,000 tons (380,000 tons expected in harvest for 2010), obtained over a surface of 28,000 hectares concentrated mainly in four regions: Lazio (32% of total national surface), Piedmont (21%), Emilia Romagna (14%) and Veneto (13%). In recent years, exports have interested over 70% of Italian production with 330,000/350,000 tons directed mainly to the European Union, which has absorbed an average of 260,000 tons per year. The main importing countries are Germany, Spain, France, Poland, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium and Lithuania. Outside the EU, other important markets for Italian kiwi fruit production are the Russian Federation, United States, Canada, Brazil, Switzerland, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Argentina and Norway.
After the good results of the 2008/2009 period, “European Flavors” this year continues with a series of actions aimed at increasing knowledge and appreciation of European fresh and processed fruit and vegetable products aimed mainly at operators of the sector. After participation at World Food in Moscow and the promotion of peaches and nectarines on the Russian market, kiwi fruit is now the object of promotional activities concerning United States and Russia, countries that have good potential for increasing consumption of fresh fruit and processed vegetables of European origin.
Source: European Flavors