So far, lower volumes and higher prices are marking this year's strawberry campaign in Huelva. The keys to this are the reduction in the acreage, as well as the excellent weather conditions.
"Although the yield per plant is similar to last year's, we are noticing the effect of the 10% reduction in the planting of strawberries in favour of other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries," explains José Antonio Martín, manager of Agromartín; a company of the PlusBerries group.
The producer stresses that "as a result of the favourable temperatures, we are harvesting optimal-tasting fruit, and this is also having a positive impact on current prices, given the increase in demand. It is worth noting that last season the weather was too cloudy and Brix levels dropped, which resulted in lower demand."
"So far, everything is going well. As of 15 March, we expect to see an increase in volumes, but we will also have to wait and see what the weather will be like in Europe for the next few weeks, as this can have a great impact on the outcome of our campaign, since central European countries tend to start their seasons increasingly earlier," he points out.
Agromartín is part of S.A.T. PlusBerries since its foundation in 2012. The concept behind the company, which was founded by producers, is for each to provide its own berry specialities with 5 brands linked to each producer (La canastita, Remolino, Selberry, Tilla Berries and Aromas). The Aromas brand is intended for strawberries and stonefruit distributed mainly in Spain, Switzerland, the UK and Scandinavia.
"The growth in Scandinavia's berry consumption is spectacular"
Last week, the sector received a marketing visit from Scandinavian retailers in which they were keen to establish business relationships directly with the producers.
"Berry consumption in these countries has been soaring dramatically due to increased awareness about health and wellness. Furthermore, our visitors were greatly satisfied with the growing methods in Huelva's fields, both in terms of sustainability and social integration. I think the trade mission organised by the Chamber of Commerce, the Government of Huelva and Freshuelva has been very fruitful for the more than fourteen companies involved," affirms José Antonio.
A strawberry-shaped container, the alternative to the classic K60
"Basically, we have designed a strawberry filled with strawberries and with a strawberry flavour," says José Antonio.
"We presented this format at the latest edition of Fruit Attraction, greatly boosting its prospects," he assures. "We believe this packaging format will revolutionise the market."
"It has a shape that helps to make strawberries more attractive. Our plan is to use it only with the best varieties available at any point of the campaign."
José Antonio Martín (left), with his colleagues of PlusBerries, at the recent edition of Fruit Logistica, in Berlin.
For now, only three cooperatives will market this packaging format: PlusBerries, Bonafru and Lujovi.
More information:
José Antonio Martín
S.A.T.Plus Berries/ Agromartín
T: +34 959504454
M: +34 637723120
strawberry@plusberries.com
www.plusberries.com