Page 69 - Koi Net - On-Line Koi Magazine - Issue 11
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the Yoshikigoi UK Auction site and in its first 6 months seen in a whole range of sizes reminding me of my
over 200 Yoshikigoi were successfully delivered to Japan visits over the years. The frustration was that I
happy customers across the UK. Over and above this, was not able to select any Koi for me – not that that
the Farm delivered 50,000 Tosai and 4,000 larger stopped me of course, there was a quite awesome Gin
Yoshikigoi into various markets around the world. Rin Shiro Utsuri that I couldn’t keep away from. Many
times, during my visit I disappeared into the fish house
Our learning also continued in 2018. It became to drool lovingly over the fish that had truly grabbed my
apparent that despite the Yoshikigoi Farm enjoying fully attention and just would not let go! Fortunately, Ashley
certified KHV and SVC Free status, where Yoshikigoi was similarly smitten with the Shiro as well and ended
GEOFF KEMP had long onward transportation journeys being up taking it, what a relief.
undertaken by third parties after being delivered into
JOINS THE the UK, in some instances, problems were being Geoff Kemp, After many conversations I finally agreed to get back
experienced as a direct result of the extended travel Connoisseur Yoshikigoi. into selling Koi with Ashley under the Connoisseur
YOSHIKIGOI UK time. Some of our dealers also found that the lead time Yoshikigoi flag.
TEAM to order boxes of standard grade Yoshikigoi were too Our first joint trip was in early October, a not unfamiliar
long. In response to both issues, we have developed a
partnership with Andrew and the team at The Carp Co., time to go and help harvest the ponds. The night before
meaning that all deliveries into the UK now go to their the flight I was just so excited, the anticipation was
holding and quarantine facilities directly from the Farm, I FELL IN quite incredible making sleep difficult, but I did get a
prior to any onward shipping and travel. All Yoshikigoi LOVE WITH few hours before meeting up with Ashley and Sue
are quarantined on the Farm prior to shipping from Ravenhill to make the journey to Stanstead where we
Poland, the purpose of this new process is to reduce THE UNIQUE met up with Pondy (Laurence Harvey) for our flight
the risk of any extended travel time by third parties, and arriving at the farm late afternoon. But you can’t keep a
it also means that lead times for box orders are greatly PANDA Koi hunter down as there was still enough time to have
reduced. KOROMO a first quick look round some already harvested Koi and
I fell in love with The Panda Koromo, a truly unique fish
Further feedback from customers and clients at Koi that just demands attention.
Shows through 2018 also evidenced a growing
Not bad for a quick rush round the fish houses and
frustration that there was nowhere for the ‘more serious
helped fill me with anticipation for the following
Koi Collector’ to see and buy the higher grades of
morning.
Yoshikigoi in the UK. In November 2018, Geoff Kemp,
who many of you will know from his days as a BKKS It is Poland and not Japan, the smell is different, the
Judge and Connoisseur Koi, has partnered with us to scenery is different, but the atmosphere is the same for
launch his Connoisseur Yoshikigoi Collection with the me, it is so emotional witnessing the fish emerge from
intention to provide limited numbers of the very best the mud ponds and then lifted lovingly into the Koi
hand-selected, Show-grade Yoshikigoi for sale in the bowls where I was able to make my initial selections
The Gin Rin Shiro Utsuri. UK at reasonable prices. before the fish are taken back to the farm.
We are very excited to be working with both the team at Later that day I was privileged to select through this
The Carp Co. and Geoff on these new ventures as we year’s Tosai as a starter for my Spring Selection which I
move into 2019. will share with you over the coming months.
Geoff Kemp explains If you do get the chance to join us, you will be blown
away by what you see. Contact Sue Ravenhill our Trips
I visited the farm in Poland a couple of years ago and
Co-Ordinator on trips@yoshikigoimanagementuk.com
was super impressed with the sheer scale and quality
The Panda Koromo. for details.
of what I saw. There were many varieties of Koi to be
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