Spanish strawberry planting is a lot lower this year than last year, while the acreage of blueberries and raspberries, on the other hand, is increasing. According to Roberto Latorre of Spanish soft fruit producer Surexport from Almonte (Huelva), that trend is understandable after last year's disappointing strawberry season. "You can see the blueberry acreage increase with growing demand. This year, more was planted yet again, but that doesn't mean these plants will also enter production, since that takes a year or two, or even three," Roberto says.
Swimming against the tide, however, Surexport has actually increased its strawberry acreage. "We keep on evolving with new varieties, which stand out when it comes to flavour, shelf life, colour, brix and uniformity. To this end, we have a partnership with PSI to develop new varieties, something which buyers appreciate. Based on that fact, we keep on evolving with exclusive varieties."
Outside of Spain, Surexport has its own production in Morocco and Portugal. The producer offers the complete range of soft fruit, ranging from strawberries to blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Surexport has its own growth acreage of around 800 hectares, and also has partnerships with affiliated growers, who together represent an additional acreage of 350 hectares. "I see that diversification of countries of origin as a great advantage. Of course there is overlap, but you can supply to customers looking for specific countries of origin. Spanish soft fruit can't be exported to Russia right now, but these restrictions don't apply to Moroccan produce."
Meanwhile, the Southern European raspberry season has begun, and volumes from Spain and Morocco will increase over the coming weeks. "The planned programmes are going well, only the free market is lagging behind a bit. The next two or three weeks, Dutch produce will still be available. Starting next week, I expect some more demand," Latorre concludes. "The Spanish strawberry season traditionally starts late December / early January. It's impossible to make a prediction already. So many factors can be of influence. The weather could play tricks, but European demand could just as easily increase."
For more information:
Roberto Latorre
Surexport B.V.
IABC 5325
4814 RB Breda
Tel: +31(0)180-656999
Mob: +31(0)6-13991223
robertolatorre@surexport.org
www.surexport.org/