“We export during Eastern Europe’s low season”

The Portuguese company Camposol, founded in 1992, owns 650 hectares in southwest Portugal where it grows a huge variety of products. "In summer, we grow pumpkins and sweet potatoes. This week, we also started with radishes, which will be in season until April, and which we ship mainly to the British and Dutch markets. Within two weeks, we will also start with carrots and parsley. Lastly, in December, we will harvest celeriac and potatoes," states Peter Knight, of Camposol.

Knight explains that they produce mostly high-end crops, because the area has very sandy soils and this entails very high production costs, which adds to the transport costs for exports to distant markets; however, they do enjoy the advantage of Portugal’s excellent climate.

Investors from the Czech Republic
Recently, the company has managed to attract Czech investors and is now part of a group of producers in the Czech Republic, so many of its products are exported to markets in Eastern Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Bulgaria. "We cover their import season when they are unable to produce certain products, to help them have a year-round supply in supermarkets," explains the exporter.

Consequently, they are also able to charge higher prices and offset the production and logistics costs.

Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are currently in season. The product is increasingly grown in other countries, such as Spain and Egypt. "In the past, it was a niche market but now it is becoming more common because of its reputation as a healthy product," concludes the producer.

More information:
Peter Knight
Camposol 2
E: peterknight@camposol2.com
www.camposol2.com