The Brazilian fig season, which is now coming to an end, will be followed at Yex by 'Black Mission' figs from Peru. The importer has entered into a partnership with the country's largest fig grower for this purpose. The first Peruvian figs will still arrive by air, but will later also be shipped to Europe by sea. Since 2020, figs have also been successfully transported by boat, resulting in a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to air freight.
"This is something our customers wanted, and it fits perfectly with our sustainability policy," says product manager Stef van der Linden. "The dark purple figs are picked slightly earlier, which results in a slightly firmer product. We've developed special packaging to allow the figs to be imported by sea in containers. With a fast boat connection, the figs take about seventeen days to arrive, meaning we can have them to the customer within three weeks. With the new loading and packaging method, sea freight is a viable option."
Yex's grower is both GlobalGAP and SMETA certified, and the figs are packaged in 20- and 24-piece kilo boxes or in 160-gram trays. The first containers will arrive this week, and the shipping season will continue until July. "Fig prices are currently at a slightly lower level, but that makes it a good time to start," says Stef. He has seen the popularity of figs increase. "It has become quite a significant product, with large volumes sold, especially during the European season."
Fig cake with almonds
Yex sells the figs to retailers, wholesalers, and food service customers throughout Europe. "What I like about figs is their versatility. You can use them as a starter, dessert, or snack. The possibilities are endless, and they're ideal for both sweet and savoury dishes. You can even eat them with the skin on, because there's a lot of flavour in the skin," says Stef. He has promised his colleagues that if the promotion is successful, he will treat them to homemade fig cake. "So hopefully I'll be baking soon."
For more information:
Stef van der Linden
Yex
Tel.: +31 174 479 154
[email protected]
www.yex.nl