After a difficult start for Spain's broccoli export campaign due to lack of volumes and excessive demand in November and December, the months of January and February have been marked by stable productivity and high quality, as well as avid demand at the destination markets.
"We are surprised by the volumes exported, and above all, by the lack of incidents in the production process for 9 weeks. Production levels have been stable in this period because temperatures were not too low in January and February, and all programmes have been carried out perfectly," explains David Franco, of the Murcian company Campo de Lorca.
However, even though prices have remained stable, the results in terms of prices are not satisfactory. "With the volumes available, we couldn't expect much else. Nevertheless, the price stability has also ensured a continuous and solid demand."
Broccoli market still growing
"It is difficult to comparatively assess the levels of demand for each product. What we can say, on the basis of data provided by Murcian producers, is that the broccoli market is still growing. The volume exported during this first quarter widely surpasses any figure on record."
Regardless of the prices registered at any given moment, David Franco says that "demand has always remained very active, with plenty of firm orders. I believe this has not been the case with other vegetables, which have to rely more strongly on promotions in order to push sales."
The UK and Germany are the main destinations for Spanish broccoli. "What is most surprising is the growth of eastern European markets, like Poland or Romania, and the great diversification we currently enjoy, with small, but stable clients all throughout the campaign. The improvements in logistics have made this possible."
Murcia will finish the production campaign in May, like every year, and although the temperatures in other European production areas will advance their harvests, as long as the weather in Murcia remains mild, the process will speed up there, as well. "This should not necessarily entail an earlier finish, but it could mean that the campaign will end will smaller volumes than expected," concludes David Franco.
For more information:
David Franco Ruzafa
Campo de Lorca, SCL
Camino Liforos s/n 30815 Dip Tercia
Lorca, Murcia, Spain
T:+34 968465960
info@campodelorca.com
www.campodelorca.com
www.brocolicricket.com