"Spanish garlic is in an increasingly advantageous position"

The harvest of early Spring garlic is coming to an end in Castile-Leon following the end of the season in Andalusia and Castile-La Mancha, Spain's main producing areas. "Growers have been able to harvest and store the garlic in warehouses without any difficulties caused by the weather conditions, which will ensure optimal product quality," explains Luis Fernando Rubio, head of communications for the A.N.P.C.A.

The new Spanish garlic started being sold on the second week of June, finding a very receptive market and good demand also from international buyers. "Given that stocks in the previous season were very low, the new garlic has arrived to an almost empty market. Orders are considerable and prices, although slightly lower, remain at the levels of the previous two months, without great oscillations at origin or for garlic that has already been sorted," he affirms.

Although some problems were observed with the calibres in the earliest areas, this has gradually been corrected with the crops from La Mancha and right now the industry has availability of all kinds of calibres.

"Compared to previous years, prospects are very positive and the sector has no concerns," points out Luis. "Moreover, although China hopes to have good volumes, it will have a great abundance of small sizes, which will play in our favour when competing," he adds.

This week, purple garlic will start being harvested, with good yields and a diversity of sizes expected. The acreage has been reduced in recent years in favour of Spring garlic, as the latter is more productive, although good yields are expected this year. However, this trend may record an important turn soon, because, according to Luis, "Spanish purple garlic is gaining popularity and has an increasingly more advantageous position in the markets compared to garlic from other origins, mostly due to its strong aroma and quality."

In addition to its traditional markets, the sector intends to relaunch third markets such as Taiwan, where Spanish garlic will be exported once again. Furthermore, there are plans to increase shipments to Brazil, which is a very interesting and strategic market where garlic is highly appreciated.