August 9 , 2001

Port of Corpus Christi Partners with HEB, the David Oppenheimer Group, and Kyokuyo Shipping
to Bring First-Ever Fruit Import Shipment

As part of the Port's ongoing diversification efforts, the Port of Corpus Christi has explored new markets and new products. The addition of the port's new refrigerated warehouse in 2000 added the capacity for the port to handle refrigerated cargoes. This year, the port has handled New Zealand meat products as well as other frozen/ chilled commodities. Now, for the first-time, the port will handle the arrival of imported apples from Napier, New Zealand. Working together, the Port; Texas grocer, HEB; the David Oppenheimer Group, North American marketers of New Zealand apples and Kyokuyo Shipping Line created the opportunity for the ENZA New Zealand apples to move through Corpus Christi and its new refrigerated warehouse.

"This shipment is very significant to the Port. While it does mark the first arrival of apples at this Port, it also illustrates that the Port's diversification efforts are working," said Port of Corpus Christi Chairwoman, Yolanda Olivarez.

" We have set about a course to seek out new opportunities based on our mission -- to continue to be an economic catalyst for the region-and we can forge that path as long as we have key partners like HEB, the Oppenheimer Group, and Kyokuyo Shipping working with us to support our efforts and the use of this Port," said Olivarez. " When we first began to explore the refrigerated cargo markets, HEB's support encouraged us to move forward and construct our new 100, 000 sq. foot refrigerated warehouse. Now, their use of the cold storage is an illustration of the cooperation and partnership that is imperative for the success of the cold storage facility. We built it and now 'they are coming."

On Friday, August 10, more than 16,000 cartons of a range of apples including, Braeburn, Fuji, and Pacific Rose apples will be off-loaded from the M/V COLUMBIA. The apples will be stored briefly in the port's new refrigerated warehouse, and become available at local HEB stores and other local retailers by August 14.

" In the past, New Zealand apples were shipped to the East Coast and then trucked straight into Texas," said David Nelley, apple and pear category manager for the David Oppenheimer Group. " Now, with the addition, of the this new chill facility in Corpus Christi, Texans can enjoy the freshest possible apples that have been shipped directly to them. In fact, HEB will carry a vast majority of the apples, and has been instrumental in stepping up to pre-order the fruit and allowing us to use the Port's new refrigerated warehouse."

"H-E-B is constantly sourcing products from around the world at the peak of their season. Linking our business needs with economic opportunities at the Port creates a powerful win/win/win -- H-E-B brings its product in closer to home, the Port generates a new line of business, and customers benefit from fresher products," said Debbie Lindsey-Opel, Director of Public Affairs and Advertising for the Gulf Coast Region. "H-E-B and the Port have worked together on other initiatives including providing transportation of produce from the Valley to be loaded for shipment and storage of turkeys and bread products. This represents just one more opportunity for economic development for our Corpus Christi area."

The M/V COLUMBIA marks the 3rd vessel call since Kyokuyo Shipping designated Corpus Christi as its preferred United States Gulf of Mexico port for handling refrigerated cargoes. The Port has already handled meat products from New Zealand. This fruit shipment creates a greater awareness of the port's capabilities and potential to handle new markets and new commodities. Boyd-Campbell is the local agent. Dix-Fairway is the local stevedore.

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