The “New” Origine Group Participates in Asia Fruit Logistica

According to a press release, Origine Group attended Asia Fruit Logistica 2018, held from September 5 to 7 in Hong Kong, this following the acquisition of Compagnia Italiana della Frutta by the Group. Origine Groupe General Manager, Alessandro Zampagna, noted the consistent growth and strategic location of the trade show: “[At Asia Fruit Logistica] companies of the fruit and vegetable sector can find an exceptional combination of business and networking opportunities.”

In the collective area of CSO Italy at the show, Origine Group presented its newly-expanded brand portfolio, which includes Sweeki, Pera Italia, Made in Blu, and Fruitaly, representing namely kiwi and pear exports to Europe, Asia, and North America. Origine Group now stands at 10-member companies, nine being Italian and one from Chile, is as such is a significant producer of fruit: its annual production volume surpasses 120,000 tons of kiwis and 80,000 tons of pears.

Origine Group also provided an update as to the current status of the harvest and predictions for potential shipment dates. “”This year, Origine Group’s pears will be commercialized, those being the Made in Blu and Fruitaly brands, in addition to Pera Italia. As far as Italian pears are concerned, we are currently harvesting, and the first loads of Abate and Williams are ready to go,” stated Zampagna. “The first harvest of yellow kiwis will be mid-September, with first shipments possible before the end of the month. For green kiwis, which represent the most important product, we need to wait until October.”

As to the quality expected from this year’s harvest, Zampagna concluded that, “the Chilean Sweeki-branded kiwi were very good this season. We eagerly await the Italian kiwis, as after a particularly difficult year due to scarce production and small sizes, we are hoping for a good crop in terms of quantity, quality, and size.”

Origine Group itself was founded in August 2015 by fresh fruit and vegetables production and trading leaders. Origine Group now stands at 10-member companies, nine being Italian (Afe, Apofruit, Fruit C2, Gran Frutta Zani, Kiwi Uno, Op Kiwi Sole, Pempa-Corer, Salvi-Unacoa, Spreafico) and one from Chile (Del Curto), and the Group represents well-established domestic and international companies with a total turnover of over one billion Euros each year. As per the press release, “these companies have joined their resources to provide a top-quality product, working together on innovation and new varieties to explore emerging markets.” Two fresh products, pears and kiwis, remain the primary focus of the consortium, but ultimately Origine Group is aiming at expanding into other products as well.