"Spain: "Mango oversupply expected in around three years"

After just eight months since its foundation, the company Axarfruit, created to meet the exporting needs of a family of producers with experience in the growing of tropical fruits, has managed to find a place in both the domestic and the export markets.

"We have more than thirty years experience in the horticultural sector being a manufacturer of fertilisers and organic pesticides, Abonos Vélez, who has the support of over a thousand growers; something which has truly helped us in the launch of this new project in which we have control over the entire chain" explains Álvaro Martínez, manager of Axarfruit.

Axarfruit is devoted to the production and export of mangoes, avocados and lemons. "At the moment we are selling the last batches of Peruvian Kent mangoes, which we supply in calibres 7, 8 and 9. In early May we will start working with Kent from Senegal," informs Álvaro.

Regarding the last Spanish mango campaign, Álvaro Martínez rated it as "very complicated," because the flowers did not settle well due to sharp changes in temperature, which caused production volumes to drop by more than 55%. This led to sky-rocketing prices and a war between producers and distributors. Nevertheless, Álvaro predicted that, if nothing unexpected happens, the next campaign will be much more productive.

Mangoes are generally a very profitable fruit, and thus many have attempted planting them in the coast of Axarquia. "Even though mangoes still have plenty of growth potential, we believe that we may begin suffering from oversupply in less than three years, taking into account the pace at which the acreage is growing."

In three years, Axarfruit aims to reach a production of 800,000 kilos of mangoes per campaign; as well as 300,000 of avocados and 100,000 of lemons.

"For now, we already export to European markets like Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands, and we believe that Dubai is a fast-growing market with plenty of potential, so we are already making contacts. We welcome clients from any kind of market, including supermarket chains."

As for mango varieties, Malaga produces especially the Osteen variety, as well as the Tommy Atkins, Kent and Keitt to a lower extent. The Osteen is, by far, the most produced in Spain, with around 80% of the total, according to Álvaro, "it is chosen by growers because it is more productive and more resistant to cold temperatures."

Organic agriculture is the future
At the moment, approximately 100 hectares are devoted to the production of organic mangoes and avocados, with 70% of the produce certified by CAAE and Global G.A.P.

"We believe that organic agriculture is the future, as it is a constantly growing market. Distributors are increasingly interested in naturally-produced fruit which is free of residues and fully traceable. In Spain it is still a small market, but we are convinced that consumer trends will gradually change in favour of organic products."

"We are only just starting, but we are truly satisfied with our results and we are certainly looking forward to the future."