The strawberry sector achieved a production volume that was similar to the one they had last year (290,000 tons) despite the decrease in area (9%), which suggests that the turnover of the strawberry sector will be equal or somewhat higher (the sector has declined to give figures so far).
It's time to look ahead and set goals so that the sector keeps growing and it is essential to have rapid transportation means to send the fruit to new markets. Huelva's Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberry (Freshuelva) stated yesterday that they needed high speed transportations means and an airport to take their product to other destinations without exceeding the five-day trip that the strawberry can withstand (up to six days in winter months) before losing its quality. To achieve this, the sector is willing to engage in the construction of the Cristobal Colon airport, which is being promoted by the Cristobal Colon society and that is in the hands of the Huelva Development and Progress company (50.9%), the County Council (46.57%) and Huelva's Chamber of Commerce (2.45%).
The president of Freshuelva, Alberto Garrocho, said they had already had meetings and contacts with the promoters of the project because they understood that, due to their product's perishable nature, this was the best way to open markets. He also said that the association wouldn't invest in this project because it didn't have the economic capacity to do so, but that the producers, businesses and entrepreneurs should invest directly in it.
The US already uses air transport to send its strawberry to Europe and Huelva knows that they could also place their strawberries in any market within six hours.
In addition to air transport, the sector has also considered train transport, as long as it is a high-speed train. Shipping is not ruled out (as Chile uses it for this type of product). However, it is essential that the containers used to ship other types of fruit be modified to transport strawberries, because conserving strawberries is more sensitive and the containers should have a suitable temperature.
Other challenges for the sector are achieving varieties that have more flavor, and increasing consumption of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries in markets where they are currently present. Therefore, the II Red Berry Congress, which will be held tomorrow and Thursday in the capital, and which will be attended by a thousand people, will address issues such as external promotion of these crops, the evolution and consumption of berries in the UK, and the keys to improve the shopping experience of red fruits. The meeting will also serve to value scientific studies that demonstrate the health benefits that the consumption of these fruits has.
The Congress will also focus on two countries where these crops are very important, Italy and Chile. There will also be conferences on innovation in storage and processing of red fruits, sustainability and food security, and new consumer trends that define the European consumer.
Source: huelvainformacion.es