The Spanish artichoke season is almost over in Almeria and Murcia with a clear protagonist: frost.
"Overall, the cold has damaged artichoke crops in the two provinces. There are growers who, because of the location and arrangement of their fields, were able to withstand it, but we are near the sea, so we have been fully affected," explains Joséphine Cuadras, of Cuadraspania's commercial department. It's been crazy due to the lack of continuity of supply; we could never predict product availability."
Joséphine Cuadras (left), at the recent edition of Medfel, in Perpignan.
The Almeria-based company, which started in December with the purple variety and in February with the Calico, suffered losses in production of around 50%, "although this did not exactly translate into higher prices," explains Joséphine. "We hope we never see a repeat of a year like this!"
These artichokes are mostly targeted to niche markets, particularly in France, with a long tradition in the consumption of these products. Consumption of this type of artichoke is also gradually expanding in the UK, while Germany remains very reticent.
Good times for escarole
Cuadraspania is primarily an escarole specialist, marketing it via similar lines to those used for artichokes.
"While the cold has destroyed artichoke crops, it has also served to control the escarole production, which together with the reduced plantings because of last year's poor performance has resulted in us obtaining better prices. But the story is reversed every year. We assume that, given that escarole has worked out well this year, growers will plant more for next year," says Joséphine.
Many consumers still tend to mix escarole and lettuce up. Joséphine consequently stresses their differences, especially when it comes to dietary qualities. It is rich in vitamin C and potassium and very suitable to lose weight.
"I don't know for certain if escarole consumption is on the rise, what I do know is that more and more new formats are being launched, like fine escarole in trays," he says. Presentation is very important to sell the escarole. If the colour is predominantly white, it will be more attractive to the buyer. We thus make use of farming methods to whiten the product," she explains.
Cuadraspania is able to supply escarole, as well as lettuce hearts, all year round.
More information:
Joséphine Cuadras
Cuadraspania, S.L.
Camino Cuatro Higueras s/n
Barriada de Burjulú
04610 Cuevas del Almanzora, Almeria. Spain
T: + 34 950 52 90 43
M: +34 629 111 331
josephine.cuadras@cuadraspania.com
www.cuadraspania.com