h growers are diversifying their crops to produce kakis and be able to meet the fruit's increasing consumer demand, especially in the UK. Kakis are gaining popularity in the British market, where ASDA expects to sell 1.4 million containers in the coming three months. Dean Hayden, Senior Buyer at ASDA, was interviewed on the topic. "We have observed a good growth for this line and we had a record-breaking week, when 160,000 containers (48,000 kakis) were sold. We are expecting sales figures to increase by 20% compared to last season," explained Hayden.
During a recent trip to Spain, Hayden visited "an amazing place", with state-of-the-art machinery and high-end storage facilities. There he witnessed the crop's expansion.
"Kaki plantations have expanded by around 40%, and production volumes are expected to increase considerably in the coming five years.
"Kakis are an attractive, shiny fruit which catches the customers' eye. Their growing popularity is due mostly to their sweetness and versatility."
ASDA purchases its kakis from the valley of Ribera del Xúquer, nearby Valencia. The variety is the locally-grown Bright Red, which is said to have been developed from other conventional varieties introduced through eastern Spain several decades ago.
Persimon® is the registered brand used to identify the Red Bright variety. It is characterised by its firm flesh and low astringency. It is the only kaki brand protected by a Designation of Origin awarded by the European Union.
The kaki season lasts from October to January. In Ribera del Xúquer, growers always try extending the campaign, but there are limitations, as only one variety is produced.
"We are planning to conduct a large-scale promotional campaign for the 2014/2015 season and to make all sorts of improvements to the handling process, both pre- and post-harvest," concluded the spokesperson.
