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Emirates also investing in advanced production

SPECIAL me HYDROPONICS

Successful growers of hydroponic lettuces and herbs are developping in the UAE.

The Emirates Hydroponics Farms produce more than 25 varieties of leaf vegetables specializing in lettuces and herbs over 20,000m2 of advanced growing systems. “Our major issue here in the Middle East is climate control during summer, when we face temperatures of 50ºC” explained manager Rudi Azzato, who was involved in the first installation. Founded in 2005, the company has invested in all the advanced technology necessary to succeed. Three types of production units have been created. These include a 9.5 meter high greenhouse with an area of 1000m2 for continuous production during the 12 months. This is equivalent to over 8,000 m2 of traditional farming. There are two separate areas of 9000m2 and 8000m2 using both NFT and Flood & Drain hydroponic systems, for production from October-May. The greenhouse is equipped with an Australian growing system called the Rotating Growing System that is 6m-high, has 16 crop layers and rotates every 45 minutes. It is fully air conditioned, with two large chillers. The walls are double thickness polycarbonate panels of 10 mm. The NFT and Flood & Drain systems suit the various types of crops grown at EHF. These units are “more productive, more reliable and cost effective in the long run for investment in a lifetime hydroponic system,” advised Azzato. Water and nutrients are the only elements used to grow lettuces and herbs. The productivity achieved for lettuces is 68 kg per m2 for Boston type butterhead lettuces of 300 grams a piece. “Our production cost is between a local field crop and an airfreight import. It took us three years to educate the clients as well as finding right customers who appreciate European quality produce, that is grown locally. EHF produce achieves a premium price within the local market place, however considerably lower than imported as no duty or long haul freight is required. EHF produce, is all sold locally to Dubai and Abu Dhabi wholesalers and supermarkets. “Hydroponics is becoming a more popular system of production as water is the most valuable and limited element in the area”. Rudi Azzato together with Emirates Hydroponics Farms are the pioneers in the hydroponics agriculture industry of UAE, names that are well respected within the industry. “We are seeing more and more local Emiratis investigating the possibility of converting their traditional farm businesses over to hydroponics, through the government support system,” said Mr Azzato.

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Kibsons starts banana imports and building of new cold store

SPECIAL me KIBSONS

“Everything has its challenges, but the fruit and veg business is moving in a positive direction here in the Middle East,” according to Daniel Cabral, senior import manager at Kibsons. Annual turnover has been increasing by 12-13%, something he expects to continue in the near future due to improving market conditions and the new business activities this generates. “We are also confident of increasing our market share thanks to our year-round service offering consistent quality and supply volumes.” The company has just started the distribution of bananas and pineapples, with deliveries to both supermarkets and wholesalers in Al Aweer and other emirates. 
“A one stop shop” is the winning concept of the company, which offers more than 300 items on a daily basis. The group has 300 employees and 40 distribution trucks. “We also remain one of the three market leaders in airfreight imports.” This business unit so far represents 25% of turnover and is growing at the same rate as shipments. Vegetables and berries are the main two air cargo categories. The US is Kibsons’ number one berry supplier, representing 70% of volume, while Europe (Holland) is the main source of vegetables; Australia for stone fruit, grapes, cherries and mangoes; and Thailand and Vietnam for exotics. On average about 50 different kinds of items arrive each day by airfreight, and 250 in the course of a year. 
Citrus, apples, pears, grapes, kiwis and stone fruit are the main items. The main sources for citrus fruit are South Africa, Spain, Italy, Chile, the US, Brazil and Australia. “Since there is no local production we have no disease control restrictions on South African imports.” Oranges, lemons and easy peelers are all popular in the region. “We are increasing our sourcing from Egypt and Spain, with Navels and Valencias from November until March,” Daniel said. 
No chances are taken with quality – Kibsons complies with both HACCP for food safety and OHSAS 18000 on occupational health and safety. “We also have several other protocols in process, namely ISO9001, ISO14000 and 22000 for environment and food safety,” he said.
The company is building a new cold store to increase its storage and distribution capacity. Located near the market, it will be ready by early 2015 and will complement the existing one – which has a 2500-pallet capacity – with triple that storage, while also equipped with 12 cold stores and 6 banana ripening rooms.

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Pan Fresh starting catering division and retail activity

SPECIAL uae PAN FRESH

The importer Pan Fresh International opened a new catering division in January in order to directly supply end customers such as restaurants, hotels and food service contractors. “We now hold a larger portfolio of about 80 fruit and 30 vegetable varieties, making us capable of supplying end users with the full range of products they need,” said commercial director Mohammad Ali Arjomandi. Smaller greengrocers and supermarkets are also among the targets of the new division, both in the UAE and other GCC countries. As a result, Pan Fresh has increased its fleet of 40-foot trucks from 15 to 25 units this season. It also operates 30 smaller trucks for local deliveries.
The overall import activity of the group continues to increase, in particular with more specialty varieties, like mangoes and pomegranates. The full exotic line is also more popular, such as mangustan, tamarillo and passion fruit. “Our overseas shipments have increased significantly. Today we offer a very competitive range of items from South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and the US.” Pan Fresh has a proven track record with new businesses requiring more specialties, such as year-round cherry supply, kumquat, and so on. Half of its total imports are re-exports to other GCC countries and beyond, such as to the Caucasus.
The group today employs 200 people and saw sales rise 20% in 2013. Pan Fresh managers see market conditions as favorable for continued growth at the same rate. “Our success lies in providing our customers with the best service and product quality, and on-time delivery,” he said.

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Azura puts taste first, testing 350 varieties

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“We strive to offer our clients an integrated service, from production to packaging”, explains Odile Lavail, marketing and communication manager for Azura Group. “Recently we have concentrated on research. We are trying to find the tomato varieties with the best taste.” For this reason, Azura is cultivating about 350 tomato varieties in its greenhouse. Next year, it will choose the best 40 varieties from them and, finally, just 1-2 will be selected for further production. “There are many evaluation criteria – such as ease of production, high plant yield, pest and disease resistance – but delicious taste remains dominant,” said Lavail. “Therefore, we often organize tastings for consumers.” Azura is a French-Moroccan group of companies and one of the largest private producers of tomatoes in the world, with 68 farms and nearly 900 ha of agricultural land. It grows tomatoes and other produce in Morocco and exports them to France and other countries. “We are satisfied with our penetration in European markets and not expanding it but instead focusing on providing the best service,” Lavail said. “That’s our strategic target at the moment.”
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Cyprus premium herbs and vegetables by Alion

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In operation since 1990, Alion is a dedicated packer and exporter offering a vast range of fresh herbs, fruit and vegetables from Cyprus, all its own production. Alion owns 8 ha of greenhouses and 50 ha of field crops. Since 2008, the company has been run from its Pera Chorio Nisou packing station, which offers a very convenient area in which to select, store, pack and preserve vegetables and fresh herbs.  “Our main goal is to demonstrate the growth of agricultural exports  from Cyprus, using expertise and innovation to supply high quality fresh produce,” said CEO Philip Philippou. Alion offers a full range of fresh herbs for year-round export, such as green and red basil, chives, marjoram, melissa, mint, oregano, curly parsley, flat parsley, rosemary, tarragon and thyme, as well as a range of leafy vegetables including rocolla. From May until November it also produces okra, marrows and, for the first time this season, the aubergine variety Ravayia. Meanwhile, from January until December, Alion also supplies green beans, chillies, colocass, cucumbers and a large lettuce range. Alion controls the full supply chain from the farm to the importing client at destination. The company grows its vegetables itself in its own extensive greenhouses, then packs and exports them with a full quality control procedure, ensuring they are given the most careful handling and meet product specifications.  Alion exports to more than 25 countries, mainly the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Finland, Russia, Singapore, Dubai and Kuwait. The highest standards are ensured by the certified International protocols ISO 9001:2008, ISO 22000:2005, EU Organic Regulation 761/2001, OHSAS 18001:20079 (for health and safety management), BRC and IFS. “Our objective is to provide constant, effective and top customer service for our full range of products,” Philippou said. 
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No borders for Mazzoni’s marketing

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Interviewed during the last “Fruit Attraction” exhibition in Madrid, Mazzoni’s sales director Sergio Trevisan reminded us of the wide range of products delivered by the group internationally. Mazzoni supplies 30,000 tons of pears, 33,000 tons of apples, 16,000 of kiwi, 15,000 of carrots, and 10,000 of potaoes, clementines and oranges selected from the area most dedicated to this in the South of Italy: Calabria. Special marketing activities are carried out to create interest in specific varieties like “DOP garlic from Voghiera”, a traditional item that confirms the strong relationship between Mazzoni and their origins. The garlic is supplied fresh for use (three heads in nylon 150 gram nets, in a 4.5 kg carton box, 125 grams  in a 5 kg cartonbox,  200 grams in a 5 kg carton box,  250 grams in a 4kg carton box) and for industrial purposes (peeled fresh and frozen cloves of garlic in bags and carton boxes) as well as for HO.RE.CA. (small pacgkaging). Mazzoni is challanging overseas markets like the USA, Canada, Emirates and the Far East with fresh fruit, supported by marketing action targetting the customers and enabling them to taste and appreciate the flavour of flavor fresh Italian fruit and vegetables. Mazzoni  is also a specialist in frozen kiwi and strawberry production, supplying sliced and diced fruit for industrial “patisserie” and yogurt industries, accordingly.
Both the fresh and frozen Mazzoni divisions guarantee a “short chain” production as well as  a qualified selection control system from harvest to delivery of the product.
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Actel Group to have more fruit and more destinations

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Forecasts for the next stone fruit campaign are looking good for Catalonian leaders the Actel Group, despite the uncertain and changeable weather. With the incorporation of new members, Actel Group Commercial and Marketing Director, José Luis Trilla, confirms a planned increase in productive and trading capacity, with a view to reaching up to 140,000 t. Their main market is Europe, where the most important countries are Germany, Scandinavia, Switzerland, France, Austria and the UK, while at the same time their exports to Brazil, Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Baltic countries are also increasing.  In overseas destinations, the Actel Group’s export share is showing significant growth.  The estimated total for this campaign is around 122,000 tons in volume, distributed in several categories. In first place, their flagship product, stone fruit (peach 18,000 tons, nectarine 19,800 t, plum 1980 t, flat peach, etc.), 75% of which is shipped to markets outside Spain. Next up are pears (36,500 t), meeting overseas delivery quotas at around 60 % with varieties such as Limonera, Ercolini, Blanquilla, Williams, Abate or Alejandrina.  In apples, only 35% is exported, although this figure is set to rise for Galas and Reds. In citruses (clementines 14.500 t and oranges 7,500 t) almost all the produce is shipped abroad, around 95%.  “Our strategy is to boost our presence in international markets, not forgetting Spain, where we are increasingly better positioned”, explains Trilla. Along with this, following an environmentally friendly trading policy, they now implement an internal protocol known as “HEALTHY FRUITS”, with the aim of generating minimum waste, choosing materials that meet the ARfD standard and at all times below 1/3 of the European MRL.

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Tany Natur presents new corporate image

SPECIAL spain TANY NATURE

Tany Nature, leader in stone fruit in Extremadura, launched its new corporate image at Fruit Logistica 2014, with a brand that pledges COMPLETE QUALITY from the outset. 
“Because we are both producers and packers, we can guarantee to our final customers the BEST TASTE. At Tany´s plantation, we start with good planting stock with the highest quality  parameter, to grow products are apt for transport over long distances, and that they meet the demands of each customer. Stone fruit usually has very delicate skin so, to ensure complete quality, inside and outside, demands real experts who know the evolution of each variety and how to handle it, in order to respond to the specific needs of each market. Therefore, the specialists on our team are very experienced and really know what they are doing to produce very healthy fruit,” explained José Maria Naranjo, the marketing and markets develops director of the top stone fruit company in Extremadura.
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Early starts to Spanish season with Primor

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Primor, Andalusian leader in stone fruit, expects a total of 19,725 tons this season, a similar volume to last year, but with the difference that this season looks like starting in mid-April, a week earlier than usual. In comparison with last year, production is expected to be lower in the case of both white flesh (870 tn) and yellow flesh peaches (3170 tn), yellow flesh pavia (115 tn), and white (870 tn) and yellow fresh nectarines (10,330 tn). Volumes are expected to increase, however, for paraguayos (saturn peaches, from 600-930 tn) plumcots (230 tn), plums (3,080 tn) and apricots (170 tn). The plums are a standout: production began just two years ago and today 3,000 tons are exported. Primor’s fruit is distributed in supermarkets (70%) and wholesale markets (30%). Its main export destinations continue to be Switzerland (20%), Holland (19%), Germany (13%), and the UK (9%), among others in Europe. Primor is shifting to a more evocative and surrealistic image with its communication and marketing. “Using magic and mythological beings far from having a close association with fruit consumption conveys a message: We are different and we do things differently. Above all we are producers, but we’re also a service provider, which allows us to be very versatile and adapt to different needs,” Sebastián Adnot explained. The transition from Five to Primor required clients to trust and believe in the company’s new way of working – which was achieved and went smoothly. The company will not only continue offering stone fruit but now include citrus. 
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GLOBALG.A.P. focuses on microbial Risk

BIO sustainability GLOBALGAP conf FL (2)

Microbial Risk Control a Top Priority in Upcoming GLOBALG.A.P. IFA Standard Revision

At this year’s GLOBALG.A.P. News Conference at Fruit Logistica 2014, members announced that one of the key issues for the upcoming revision of the GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance Standard will be strengthening microbial risk control for fruit and vegetables. GLOBALG.A.P. Board Member Hugh Mowat from Wm Morrison Supermarkets Plc and a panelist at the news conference said: 
“Food safety has always been a key platform of the GLOBALG.A.P. Standard and GLOBALG.A.P. has undoubtedly made a major contribution toward maintaining consumer safety since its inception in 1996.  In the light of ongoing food safety scares resulting from microbial contamination, GLOBALG.A.P. is taking a proactive approach to strengthen existing controls. These changes will be science-based and will support growers by providing a safe framework within which to grow food, as well as protecting them in the event of an incident.” 
All the changes will go through the GLOBALG.A.P. process of public consultation and thereby seek harmonization with other pre-farm-gate standards. The first round of public consultations will start in mid-2014 and end with roundtable discussions at the GLOBALG.A.P. SUMMIT 2014 in Abu Dhabi on 27 October