“Hello Kiwi” is making headway to bring Greek Kiwi fruit to South Africa

“Hello Kiwi” is making headway to bring Greek Kiwi fruit to South Africa:

“Hello Kiwi” is making headway to bring Greek Kiwi fruit to South Africa:

“Hello Kiwi” is making headway to bring Greek kiwi fruit to South Africa

Participants in the European Union’s Hello Kiwi programme are further building on relationships with key players in the South African market in order to export kiwi fruit grown in Europe to South Africa with the aim of Greek kiwi’s to be sold in major retail stores.

“Hello Kiwi” exhibited at the Food and Hospitality Exhibition (HOSTEX) this year which was held at the Gallagher convention centre. They also held a convention for stakeholders and the media where the Greek Kiwi Producers Association discussed the importance of this trade relationship with South Africa and discussed the regulations with the Fresh Produce Imports Association.

His Excellency the Greek Ambassador Mr. Eleftherios Kouvaritakis from the Johannesburg Embassy commented, “Greek kiwi fruits are exported to more than 50 countries worldwide. In South Africa we have witnessed a significant increase of Greek kiwi fruit exports in most recent years. From a mere 700.000 ZAR total value, to a peak of 10 million ZAR.”

“According to preliminary estimations, for 2017, the cultivated kiwi fruit hectares’ were more than 85,000 with a total expected production of 205,000 tones. Up till April 2017, 105,000 tones had already been exported,” said Kouvaritakis.

Agronomist Katri Katerina stated a vitally important aspect, “Greek kiwis are free of pesticide residues, as cultivation in Greece does not require their use.”

“Kiwis fruits contain some of the highest concentration of vitamin C. In addition they contain some of the highest natural levels of digestive enzymes that enable protein assimilation. An important aspect is that kiwi seeds are an excellent source of fibre. ” said Nutritionist Nicci Robertson.

The newest variety of Kiwi Fruit on the market is the Kiwi Gold, “Yellow or Gold kiwi fruit are regarded as nutritionally superior due to higher levels of vitamin C, E and potassium – improving iron absorption. Yellow phytonutrients are a source of carotenoids and lutein. Protecting the eyes, heart and immune system,” said Robertson.

The fruit growing seasons in the two countries Greece and South Africa complement each other and create mutual benefits. Greece is implementing a roadmap for stabilising the national economy for sustainable growth, which makes it an ideal trading partner.

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Source: MyJHB

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