Luis Sabbo is at the helm of the company that shares his name, which cultivates 25 hectares of kakis of the Roxo Brilhante variety, as well as other products such as pomegranates, citrus fruits, avocados and pumpkins, among others. 90% of the kakis are intended for the domestic market, which trusts the quality of the brand after 23 years of experience. Unlike Spain, which grows a lot of kakis that are then exported abroad, in Portugal there are not many producers cultivating the fruit, so there is usually more demand than supply.
Hard and soft kakis
According to Sabbo, prices depend on the type of kaki. "We have the capacity to grow both hard and soft kakis, and we cultivate the two types. Spain only grows the hard ones, so with the soft kakis we get better prices, since almost no one produces them. When it comes to the hard ones, we can sell them at the same prices as in the rest of Europe," explains the producer.
Kakis are still considered a niche product and are unknown to many Portuguese consumers, so they do not compete directly with other fruits, such as citrus and pome fruit. However, Sabbo believes that, within 20 years, they will probably be in the same league as apples or pears.
Extending the season
At the beginning of the season, the sizes were smaller than in the previous year, according to the producer, but as the trees have been freed of their load, the remaining fruits have grown to normal sizes, so the situation has returned to normal. Current volumes are sufficient, but not excessive, although Sabbo would like to extend the season until February, just like in Spain, so they intend to plant more trees of late production. "Kakis stay on the tree until December, but it is possible to make the season last longer by storing the fruit in cold chambers, as is done with pears and apples," he concludes.
Luis Sabbo senior
The company Luís Sabbo was named after the father of the current owner, who founded it in the early 80’s and bequeathed the company to his son when he died ten years ago. Based in Tavira, Portugal, it has 54 hectares in total, of which nearly half are devoted to kakis.
More information:
Luís Sabbo
Luís Sabbo Frutas do Algarve
Estrada Nacional 125, Caixa Postal 185 G,
8800-515 Tavira, Algarve, Portugal
T: (+351) 281 324 245
E: lsabbo@luissabbo.com
www.luissabbo.com