The trading companies, and producers of tropical fruits from Malaga, had a great presentation on the first day of Fruit Attraction. Fruit Attraction is Madrid's International Fair of Fruit and Vegetables that, in just eight years, has become one of Europe's two most important events for new markets, along with Berlin's Fruit Logistica. The tropical sector has the most representation at the fair, followed by citrus and horticulture. This year, the tropical sector have been seeking new niche markets abroad by emphasising their high quality and the great advantage of offering fruit that has ripened in the tree.
Mangoes have been the biggest growth area in the region, with an estimated 5,000 hectares devoted to this crop. Malaga's large trading companies are taking advantage of their presence at the fair to strengthen ties with chains and distributors that are already part of their customer base, establish contacts with other potential costumers, and meet with suppliers from third countries (to supplement local production).
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development of the Government of Andalusia, Carmen Ortiz, expressed her support for tropical producers and stressed that Andalusia's fruit and vegetable sector had the ability to conquer new markets with their sustainable and high quality produce.
Exports
According to the Board, the province's fruit and vegetable exports in 2015 amounted to 293 million euro, which puts Malaga fifth in Andalusia, in terms of sales.
The Minister said that Malaga's main fruit exports were avocados (149 million euro), followed by mango (28 million), limes, (22 million) and tomatoes (15 million). According to the Board, the main destinations are France (39%), Germany (16%), the Netherlands (9.5%), and the UK (8%).
Good prospects
Malagas tropical fruit sector is taking advantage of the eighth edition of Fruit Attraction to close deals before the next avocado harvest, which is expected to amount to 70,000 tons and to produce large-caliber fruit.
The harvest is expected to start in December, unless there are weather complications. The harvest will start with the Hass variety, which is the most cultivated variety in Malaga and a favourite on the European market.
Avocado profitability in recent seasons is encouraging some farmers to start cultivating this fruit, so the surface devoted to this crop has begun to increase after several years of stagnation.
Source: diariosur.es