According to Eduardo, since the Spring onion campaign started and until it finished, demand gradually slowed down and the price has been in a continuous downward trend as volumes increased. Prices are now stable thanks to the increase in demand resulting from the sale of higher quality onions. The latest Spring onions have more skin, more colour and generally a higher quality than those of a month ago, which is positive to promote consumption."
Spring onions generally have little skin and a shorter shelf life than the Grano and Medio Grano; that is why they are mainly exported to countries within the European Union.
"The harvest of Medio Grano onions will allow us to make the first shipments overseas. Last year, we exported significant volumes to Brazil, where Spanish onions are highly appreciated. It remains to be seen whether there will be the same demand this year."
The main sales channel for Cebollas Cifuentes is the wholesale markets, but it also works with supermarket chains. "Under the brands Cebollas Cifuentes, Hondo Fresh, Quixote Onions and Golden Onions, we market the product in bulk, both in boxes and bags, adapting to the demands of each market. For supermarkets, it also offers more elaborate types of packaging, such as buttis, mesh bags and girsaks.
"The lack of good calibres in China will boost our garlic sales"
"We started harvesting white Spring and Violet garlic two weeks ago. After being dried and calibrated, the garlic is now ready to be sold. We are closing deals for operations within and outside Europe, in countries of the Mediterranean basin and in South America," states Eduardo Pérez. According to the exporter, both Spring white and Violet garlic have reached good sizes and yields per hectare.
"This gives us an advantageous position over other origins. China is coming into the market with great volumes, but with a lack of large sizes."
Within two weeks, the Albacete-based company will start with the purple garlic harvest.
"Consumers around the world increasingly appreciate Spanish purple garlic because of its flavour, properties and characteristics compared to other varieties, which translates into a boost in demand. I think that, in the next few years, this trend of growing garlic consumption will continue in the same direction," he affirms.
For more information:
Eduardo Pérez
Productos Hortícolas El Hondo, S.L
02640 Almansa, Albacete. Spain
T: +34 967 582356
export@cebollascifuentes.es
www.cebollascifuentes.es