While most who tried their luck with blackberries were unsuccessful and abandoned them, the company Agrícola el Bosque went on to become the leading company in both Spain and Europe, with over 55 hectares devoted to blackberries and a production of about 850 tonnes per year.
"The difficulties in the fruit's handling, both in the field and warehouse, make it more complicated to produce when compared to other berries," states Daniel Velo, of Agrícola el Bosque. "It is a fruit that turns red and bursts easily. Additionally, the plant's thorns make the harvesting difficult; a high degree of expertise is required," he adds.
"We brought blackberry varieties developed in other countries, which we adapted over time with our cultivation techniques to Huelva's conditions," he continues. "Today we mainly cultivate the Tupi and the Lochness, which are the varieties offering the best yields and organoleptic characteristics in the market, as well as average calibres."
As for the harvest, while production used to last for only a few months, Daniel Velo explains that over time, "thanks to climate control and multi-span greenhouses and macrotunnels, as well as the use of hydroponics, we have managed to break seasonality and are able to produce between September and July, with the peak being reached in the spring."
Meanwhile, Mexico is undoubtedly Spain's main competitor in the blackberry market, as having tropical weather without season allows Mexicans to produce throughout the year with much lower costs. "Mexico has around 12,000 hectares for the production of blackberries. With these volumes, they have the power to regulate prices, although we try to reach higher prices, pursuing differentiation in quality," affirms Daniel.
Germany, the UK, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy are the main blackberry consumers at the moment, and although in Spain there is still no "berry culture", demand is tentatively starting to increase in certain supermarket chains.
Its healthy properties, main tool for promotion
Due to the fact that overall berry consumption is growing as a result of their healthful properties, Agrícola el Bosque is taking part in various R&D projects intended to enhance the fruit's properties.
"We've been working for two years in a national project funded by the CDTI, which aims to increase and stabilise the content of bioactive compounds in blackberries, commonly known as antioxidants (flavonoids, anthocyanins and phenols) by inoculation via the roots of natural biofector bacteria, which causes the plant to produce more bioactive compounds.
People are increasingly concerned about eating healthily, and we can meet that need with a product that is not just very healthy, but also attractive.
Plus Berries Group
Agrícola el Bosque is part of the Plus Berries Group, which consists of four companies, each specialising in one type of berry. Blackberries are labelled by Plus Berries under the brand La Canastita.
The group's production activities are characterised by a high environmental commitment aimed at preventing pollution and ensuring a responsible use of natural resources, optimising water consumption. The collection of rainwater and use of recirculation techniques for drainage are fundamental in ensuring sustainability.
More information:
Daniel Velo Prieto (Managing Director)
Agrícola El Bosque S.L.
+34 959051090
+34 639770024
daniel@lacanastita.com
www.plusberries.com