Fruit ingredients supplier Cobell has reported a massive threefold  increase in demand for superfruits over the past six months; in particular blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.

With a surge in requests for superfruit supplies from juice, smoothie and health food manufacturers, Cobell has used its international network of suppliers to source these individual ingredients from around the world.

Supplied as concentrates or purees, the blueberries and cranberries are brought in from Chile because the ideal climate and fresh water supplies enhance the taste and flavour of the fruits. Pomegranates are sourced close to their area of origin in Turkey, offering a premium in freshness and taste.

Nick Sprague, Managing Director of Cobell says; “The rise of the ‘superfruit’ in the grocery trade has meant a tremendous amount of growth for our business. And, the reason Cobell has been approached by so many of these companies to source superfruits, is because of the diversity of our supply chain.”

Nick continues; “Working closely with our customers to understand their needs, we source premium quality fruit ingredients from over 15 countries around the globe, all of whom adhere to stringent quality standards. With huge levels of interest surrounding ‘superfuits’ the obvious health benefits and anti-oxidant qualities of the likes of cranberries, blueberries and pomegranates are widely discussed, but for a company like Cobell which sources these fruits on a global basis, there are many other factors that need consideration”.

As Europe’s fastest growing fruit ingredients supplier, Cobell works with its customers on many levels. Sourcing the tastiest, most flavoursome, highest quality fruit possible is where the journey begins. Factoring-in the maintenance of supplies, as seasonal climate changes affect most regions’ fruit crops, is a standard part of Cobell’s service, as is the discussion of quantity and packaging options.
 

And, with Cobell there is an additional service. Having introduced a new recipe testing facility, Cobell works with many clients to test ingredient mixtures. So, for instance, if a superfruit combination was being considered for anything from a juice or smoothie to a breakfast cereal, Cobell would test it for the manufacturer, and work with them on the development of a recipe that would appeal to their core audience.

Nick Sprague concludes; “Having placed a huge increase in demand on our business, the rise of ‘superfruits’ in the grocery and catering sectors has ultimately had an extremely positive effect here at Cobell. We’ve been able to continually source the latest, most talked about ‘superfruit’ for some of the leading manufacturers in this country, and we’re delighted to have surpassed many of their expectations in terms of quality, supply, packaging and delivery.”
 

Sourcing fruit ingredients from as far away as China, Ecuador and Canada to South Africa, Peru and Russia, Cobell offers a diversity of super fruit ingredients from blackcurrant, pomegranate and cranberry to raspberry, blueberry and strawberry. As well as this, Cobell also sources a wide range of other fruits and variables such as organic, non-GM, RFA (Rain Forest Alliance) and fair-trade and offers a unique range of packaging options ranging from a 3 litre bag-in-box to 200 litre drums and right up to 24,000 litre tankers.

Ends
Note to Editors:

• For more information or interviews please contact Annette Richman at KOR Communications on 01392 466733