"We are already harvesting good quality produce and yesterday the first shipments went to Germany," explains José Antonio Gómez, president of Espárrago de Granada S.C.A. "The campaign has started with high demand for Spanish asparagus and very reasonable prices, since the market so far only had Peruvian and Mexican produce, which is quite expensive compared to last year. Spanish asparagus, besides being fresher because of greater proximity, also reach better calibres," he said.
Peru's asparagus production is gradually decreasing, and Mexico, despite expanding its acreage, has suffered a drop in production due to weather issues and is giving priority to the United States as destination for its shipments.
"We expect higher volumes in mid-April and early May. The campaign has started really well and is expected to be a successful one, although we'll have to wait and see if the weather remains favourable, as we need some rainfall," points out José Antonio.
Espárrago de Granada continues gaining market share in Europe
Granada has been producing green asparagus for over 50 years, although it was not until the late 80s when production started to increase with the opening of the export market. The European market, a traditional consumer of white asparagus, started discovering and appreciating its taste qualities and health and culinary benefits. Today, consumption has already quadrupled.
In the words of José Antonio Gómez: "We already have 500 hectares and we continue expanding the acreage by between 20 and 30% every year, given the growing demand in Europe. Our market share in countries like Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Denmark is constantly on the rise. We believe that consumption of green asparagus from Granada has not yet peaked, and that the product has a great future ahead."
Regarding the domestic market, where the company works with just one large retailer, José Antonio notes that "Spain is a difficult market for horticultural products with high costs, such as asparagus, with 60% of its price resulting from its high labour costs. Currently, the export markets are the only ones paying what the product is actually worth."
Espárrago de Granada is able to advance the start of its harvests, since 15% of its production is cultivated in Antequera and Boadilla, in Malaga, where crops are more precocious.
More information:
José Antonio Gómez Aguilera
Espárrago de Granada, S.C.A.
T: +34 958513061
M:+34 658770678
joseantonio@esparragodegranada.es
www.esparragodegranada.com