WELCOME TO THE CUSTOM PLUM COMPANY

Bringing innovation to the stone fruit industry is central to The Custom Plum Company’s vision. Since 2002, we have been using the Zaiger Genetics breeding program to position us at the forefront of new varietal development.

CPC is a partnership between Unlimited Group and Fresca Group, ultimately combining both companies’ material and technical/promotional strengths.

CPC is unique in that we are involved throughout the process, from varietal selection until the exporter becomes involved during the picking and packing process.

IT TAKES AT LEAST 10 YEARS BETWEEN IDENTIFYING A VARIETY IN CALIFORNIA AND HAVING A COMMERCIAL PRODUCT ON THE SHELF

Zaiger Genetics

California_Map
0_1_Years

The process begins in Modesto, California. Floyd Zaiger creates tens of thousands of crosses each year. The most promising varieties are selected for import to South Africa as bud wood.

quarantine

Young_Tree
2_3_Years

Buds are collected by the CPC technologist, grafted and trees are formed for distribution to our trial blocks in the principal plum growing regions.

trial

Spade_Tree
3_5_Years

With over 12 different CPC trial blocks, every plum growing area in South Africa is covered to ensure the very best evaluation of new tees in distinct micro-climates.

evaluation

Fruit
4_8_Years

Fruit is assessed at weekly tasting sessions, along with storage and shelf-life trials. Samples are picked across a range of different weeks and trial blocks. The most promising selections are then flown to appropriate markets for customer feedback.

release

Young_Leaves
9_10_Years

Once the decision is made to release a variety, buds are collected by the nurseries and grafted to their rootstocks. The trees are then grown prior to being lifted for distribution to the producer and are finally planted in the orchard before the first harvest in three years.

The end result: A constant source of fresh stone fruit varieties, with exceptional flavour profiles and unique appearance.

Varieties