“The festive season is full of activity at Kapiris Bros, and the company is gearing up for the first season of premium tomatoes to be harvested in 2024/25’s summer season in Two Wells, Australia, however, the harvest is affected by the effect on ToBRFV. While it is waiting, the company will procure gourmet tomatoes from a grower partner located in Victoria in order to satisfy the demand. “Gourmet tomatoes are extremely flexible and are in great demand for the Christmas season. They are a great ingredient to make a variety of food items,” Nick Papatheodorou of Kapiris Bros says. “We think that the gourmet tomatoes are the main ingredient of Christmas.”
The change in the seasons
“A major challenge we face is the change in seasons across regions” Nick explains. “As temperatures increase and we focus our attention to Bowen and Two Wells. Two Wells.”
This year, a brand new problem emerged with the identification of Tomato Brown Rugose virus (ToBRFV) in the South Australian Northern Adelaide Plains.
The virus is affecting both the capsicum and tomatoes, leading strict quarantine as well as financial losses to many growers.
“The discovery of ToBRFV’s is a significant issue, especially when we enter the growing season of 2024/25” Nick explains. “We collaborate closely with our partners to adjust and establish biosecurity protocols to limit further risk.”
Two Wells Greenhouse
Techniques in cultivation
Within Two Wells, the company utilizes high-density planters in greenhouses that are hydroponic for delicious and roma tomato varieties. “Our tomatoes are processed on cocopeat mediums and are irrigated by drip irrigation systems. This technique, when combined with resistant varieties helps us maximize our yield and minimize risks” Nick shares. “The technique of planting with high density makes it possible to manage crops efficiently.”
The company is located in Devonport, Tasmania, Kapiris Bros utilizes Dutch glasshouse technology to aid in the production of capsicum. “The glasshouses have the ability to control temperature and also irrigation control systems to maximize cultivation conditions.” The farm operates with a hybrid organic and nutrient-recirculating system, reducing water waste and minimizing environmental impact. “Our Devonport operation is focused on sustainability and has several recirculating hydroponic systems which use all of the water used for growth,” Nick explains.
The Bowen farm is a pioneer in fields that are grown outdoors. “Over the tomato plantations, they are tied with stakes of steel as well as string. The the irrigation tape gets laid with a tractor. The Bowen farm is focused on the outdoor gourmet and the production of tomatoes called roma. The farm employs a hands-on method to oversee the plant by pruning them and cutting the plants to guarantee maximum growth,” Nick says.
Devonport Greenhouse, Tasmania
The economic outlook and the trends
Nick says that technology like blockchain and satellite monitoring become increasingly essential to increase traceability and quality control in the supply chain and farming. “These technology are ever more crucial for our local clients, which includes major supermarket chains that sell retail and chain restaurants across the country,” he says.
The economic pressures continue to be a source of worry, since rising prices for water, energy and labour continue to impact Australian producers. “You will see the rising cost of living being evident in consumers’ purchasing habits. Although local and sustainable products are still vital, there’s more demand for price-effective fresh, seasonal produce.” Nick explains.
Automatization is a must.
The issue of labor shortages is a constant issue in agriculture, and particularly at harvest peak times. “We collaborate with third-party labour hire firms to handle the seasonal fluctuations in labor. They aid us in managing our work-force demand, without having to deal with the administration of direct hiring,” says Nick. Yet, recruiting workers remains hard, particularly for younger Australians. To combat this problem within their business, Kapiris Bros has adopted automated technologies like automated equipment to grade and classification of their products. “Automation can be expensive, but it allows us to maintain the efficiency of our operations and lessen our dependence on manual work,” Nick explains.
A celebration of the family
Three brothers founded the company from Two Wells, South Australia, Kapiris Bros started as an operation to grow tomatoes located on a 30 hectare land. In time, the company expanded its activities to encompass an array of other products including capsicum and tomato production now spread across several areas across the nation.
The firm was founded in 1958 after John Kapiris moved to Victoria for the purpose of growing and selling tomatoes. When he retired in 1986, management transferred to his five children. A third-generation member of the Kapiris family still runs the company today. “We’ve established a solid basis over the years as well as the 3rd generation in family members of the Kapiris family is now engaged in every aspect of the company,” says Nick.
Kapiris Bros partners with the Eatough family from Bowen, Queensland, to cultivate gourmet and roma tomatoes throughout winter, and also along with the Joubert family from Devonport, Tasmania, to cultivate glasshouse capsicums during summer and fall. It also operates its first farm at Two Wells, producing hydroponic tomatoes in the fall and summer. “Kapiris Bros has built an extensive supply chain by working with growers from North Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania as well as Victoria that lets us maintain the quantity of capsicums and tomatoes all year long,” Nick adds.
More information is available here: 
Nick Papatheodorou
Kapiris Bros
Tel. : +61 3 9689 6711
[email protected]
www.kapirisbros.com.au