A record supply of kiwifruit is coming from Europe.
“Italy is having the largest kiwi crop in their history, they are having a very strong season,” explained Kurt Cappelluti of Stellar Distributing in Madera, California.
While kiwifruit grows well in California’s Central Valley, where it doesn’t get too hot or too cold, the drought, entering its fifth year, has impacted supplies.
“It’s an early year for kiwi in California, the season finished early, about a month ago, and we are now getting kiwi from Italy.”
Prices have dropped due to the large supply. A year ago, prices ranged from $13.00 to $14.00 per 9-kilogram volume fill; now those numbers are around $9.00 to $12.00.
“Prices are way down due to the oversupply,” said Cappelluti.
Demand has remained steady, but there’s room for growth, according to Cappelluti, who thinks the American market, with its growing interest in health, is primed to accept more kiwifruit.
“Kiwi is an extremely healthy, dense piece of fruit, probably one of the healthiest in the world that you can eat.”
