The cherimoya season kicked off in Granada in early September with a similar harvest volume and quality to last year. High temperatures during the summer and the initial stages of the campaign have accelerated the production process, causing oversupply.
"We had to get the fruit to market quickly, since cherimoyas have a limited shelf life, of between 6 and 7 days. Growers had to harvest more volumes than usual for this time of the year, so production has concentrated in just a few weeks, which has resulted in falling prices," explains Alberto Casanova, of the commercial department of Frutas Manzano.
"Given the circumstances, from early November up until the end of season there will be a lower supply, and we believe that prices will rebound. We hope the second flowering will develop normally, although this is not as important as the first in terms of volume. We'll be able to supply cherimoyas until mid-April, which allows us to offer long and very attractive programs for wholesalers or supermarkets, since they can keep the fruit on the shelf for 8 or 9 months, which can lead to loyalty by consumers."
90% of the cherimoyas grown in Granada correspond to the Fino de Jete variety, which is the most demanded given its unique flavour and sweetness that make it quite special in the European markets.
Granada's cherimoya acreage has remained stable for many years, although according to Alberto, there is a slight downward trend, as some producers are switching to avocados or mangoes because of their profitability, since cherimoya consumption is mostly domestic.
"It would be desirable for cherimoya consumption to increase beyond our borders, so promotional campaigns in foreign supermarkets would be needed," states Alberto Casanova. "We are regularly shipping cherimoyas to Central European countries, although these shipments do not reach the volume or frequency they could potentially have if we take into account the important market opportunities in countries of central and northern Europe.
Shipments have also been made sporadically to countries in Eastern Europe, as exporting them to more distant destinations would be risky because of their limited shelf life. The sector as a whole would have to make an effort to boost the per capita consumption of this tropical fruit."
"There is a great lack of knowledge about this fruit, which has a sweet, fleshy pulp that is usually a delight for those who try it. However, the Brazilian guava, a product very similar to the cherimoya, has established itself in the market thanks to its use in shakes, juices and other processed products. Perhaps these alternatives may be a good solution to increase the consumption of this delicious tropical fruit."
For more information:
Alberto Casanova
Frutas Rafael Manzano e Hijos S.L.
Poli. Ind. "La Gasolinera", 43-44
Salobreña, Granada. Spain
T: +34958612597
M: +34 678543331
alberto@frutasmanzano.com
www.frutasmanzano.com