At the moment, the situation for Spanish Hass avocados in the export market is excellent, with record-breaking prices at origin oscillating between 1.80 and 2.00 Euro/kilo.
"The domestic produce is by far the most in demand by the largest Spanish distributors, which are the ones setting the prices," says Sigfrido Molina, manager and owner of Sigfrido S.L.U. Additionally, "the quality of Spanish avocados in Europe is currently much superior to that of the fruit from countries like Mexico, Peru, Israel, Morocco and Chile, which on arrival already has a shorter shelf life and reduced organoleptic qualities."
Regarding the weather's influence this season, the most noteworthy issue were some strong winds which caused more fruit than usual to fall from the trees. This has consequently led to larger harvest volumes of second class avocados, which are mainly used for the production of guacamole or for the domestic market. "Spanish consumers are reluctant to pay higher prices and second class fruit offers them a chance to purchase more affordable avocados."
Sigfrido Molina started his company, along with a young and qualified team, in May 2013, after many years' experience in the wholesale market. "I helped my father out in the wholesale market from a very young age. I later acquired plenty of valuable experience working for a large horticultural company, until I decided to go my own way," he explains.
Sigfrido has managed to rent a total of 90 hectares, of which 60 are devoted to the cultivation of mango and avocado and the rest to aromatic herbs, like parsley, mint, coriander, rosemary, dill, thyme, etc.
Sigfrido Molina chatting with Andalusia's Councillor of Agriculture, Elena Víboras, during the latest edition of Fruit Logistica, in Berlin.
"It is no easy task, starting from scratch, and it is also very risky if you don't have a clear plan and plenty of experience. Luckily, I also have a young, qualified and motivated team."
Even though the situation in late 2013 was quite difficult, the start of 2014 has been spectacular for Sigfrido S.L.U., mostly due to the new air import service from Peru, with two weekly shipments. Not only has this allowed us to enter some new non-EU markets in Eastern Europe and even in Siberia, but also to find our own niche market in Spain.
"The mangoes imported by air are currently popular in Spain, despite their price and the recession. It is a fruit that ripens in the tree and can be consumed five days after being harvested. The difference in quality compared to the fruit transported by sea is such that customers do not mind paying higher prices," says Sigfrido Molina.
"I was surprised to find this niche market so quickly, and it reflects how well-demanded quality mangoes can be. Since we started, we have never had any produce leftover; quite the opposite, I have experienced some shortages," he continues.
"This can only be done when demand is greater than supply and prices allow for the fruit to be shipped by air. For now, not many have dared entering the import mango market in Spain, as it is a delicate fruit and not as largely consumed as avocados; it is a sector reserved for the truly daring."
At the moment, Sigfrido is looking for contacts in Peruvian, Chilean, Kenyan and South African companies to complete the Spanish tropical fruit off-season cycle. "The future prospects for our company in both the short and long term are nothing but positive."
For more information:
Sigfrido Molina
Sigfrido, S.L.U.
T: +34 951 919 944
M: +34 653753694
sigfrido@sigfridofruit.com
www.sigfridofruit.com