"Broccoli is a plant that tolerates cold temperatures really well compared with lettuce; the cold's only drawback is that it slows down the production, but this is irrelevant, because the market is sufficiently supplied and programmes with supermarket chains are carried out efficiently," explains Ángel García Izquierdo, manager of the Spanish company Sol y Tierra.
As far as quality is concerned, "broccolis actually benefit from the low temperatures, producing a smaller floret, but more compact; the average weight, which is usually 500 grams, does not change, and that's what supermarkets demand," he continues.
According to García Izquierdo, the average price is expected to remain at the current level for the coming two weeks. "Afterwards, temperatures will stabilise and a great number of new plantations planted in November will start producing, driving prices down."
Broccoli acreage and consumption in Spain on the rise
The broccoli acreage increases every year in Murcia, as it is presented as an alternative to products like lettuce, which has registered negative results for several campaigns. "We have planted about 20% more than last year, when we shipped about 12,000 tonnes," said Ángel García.
For now, this large increase should not affect prices. According to Ángel, the campaign's results will still be good thanks to Spain's growing demand, with the per capita consumption also on the rise.
"The annual per capita consumption has already reached 1 kilo; this is mostly the result of promotions carried out by supermarkets. We someday hope to reach 4 kilos per capita in the UK."
For more information:
Ángel García Izquierdo
Soltir OPFH 876
Autovía San Javier - Murcia Km. 22
30592 San Cayetano. Murcia, Spain
T: +34 968 334 800
angel@soltir.com
www.soltir.com