"In terms of volume, we expect a shorter campaign than last year and even shorter than that of 2014. For now, the fruit arriving to our plant is reaching the market quite fluently. It is very important for all companies in the sector that are at the forefront in terms of sales do serious work to control the quality of the goods that hit the market. We have to remember that not everything goes," he points out.
According to Josep Presseguer, climate changes during the spring, with incidents such as frost and hail, have especially affected apricots and the quality of the earliest fruit, although he affirm that "this will be corrected without any problem in late June and we should start July with excellent quality for all types of fruit, as long as nothing unexpected happens, of course."
The Lleida-based cooperative produces all kinds of stonefruit, although it is emerging as a leader in Paraguayo peaches, nectarines, peaches and while-fleshed nectarines. "The white-fleshed varieties are highly appreciated in the market and give us a plus in terms of quality compared to our competition. At present, we are making a significant effort in the varietal renewal of nectarines, seeking new varieties that give us more security than those that are currently available," affirms the representative of Fruits de Ponent.
The main market for the cooperative is still Europe, but it is strengthening its presence in Latin America and in the Asian markets of Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. "China sounds like an interesting market now that there is a protocol, but we have yet to resolve some issues of concern, such as those concerning the fruit's transportation. Although we are already registered, I do not think that we will start working on the Chinese market yet this campaign."
The 2014 stonefruit season was marked by a price crisis from the start, which definitively worsened with the announcement of the Russian veto. This had dire consequences for the sector in general, including economic losses. Given this exceptionality, and in order to prevent future situations such as that experienced two years ago, Fruits de Ponent is inviting the industry to react by filing a complaint against the European Commission for its handling of the crisis and as a body responsible for the regulation of the markets.
Santi Bonet
Fruits de PonentT: +34 973 791770