The medlar season in the Valencian town of Callosa d'En Sarrià, Spain, started in early March, sooner than usual, with a very good quality thanks to the Winter's cold temperatures; however, a hailstorm in February caused the loss of 10 to 15% of the harvest and another one on 30 April led to even more significant damages.
"The weather has almost fully determined the fate of Callosa's medlar campaign, as production volumes this year will be up to 45% lower than usual," explains Vicente Ferrando, Manager of Nísperos El Tossal. "To this we must add the quality problems that the heavy rains have caused on the fruit. Although it will still last for another week, the campaign has been very disappointing for us."
Agricultural insurance companies have had to pay plenty of compensations. "Although we will not make a profit, at least the investment made over the past year will be recovered," he explains.
From the beginning, medlar demand has been good, according to Vicente, as it is the first stone fruit of the season, entering the market in mid-March, although unfortunately, the supply was unable to meet all the demand. For this reason, prices have been higher compared to last season, although as a result of the losses in production, profits have fallen.
"The Double G calibre, which is the most common, was initially sold at wholesalers for around 3 Euro/kg. They later went down to 1.70 Euro/kg and eventually reached 2 Euro/kg by the end of the campaign," he affirms.
Italy, where around 70% of the harvest is shipped, continues to be the main consumer of Callosa's medlars. Germany and France also demand this product. "We are currently trying to introduce medlars in Russia and Eastern Europe, although it is a slow process, as the product is unknown to them," adds Vicente.
About Nísperos El Tossal
Located in the heart of Callosa d'En Sarrià, Nísperos El Tossal produces this delicious fruit under strict phytosanitary controls. "We could almost consider them organic medlars," affirms Vicente Ferrando. Once harvested, the medlars are sorted by size and shipped to the warehouse where they will be checked, palletised and provided with traceability for their daily shipments.
The medlars are exported under the "TRUDY" brand in Italy and Germany, while in Spain and France they are commercialised under the "EL TOSSAL" label.
For more information:
Vicente Ferrando
Nísperos El Tossal
T: +34 676 485 242
[email protected]
www.nisperosdecallosa.com
Vicente Ferrando
Nísperos El Tossal
T: +34 676 485 242
[email protected]
www.nisperosdecallosa.com
