The companies Greenshoots (UK) and Beyond Field (Spain) are developing a project to produce baby leeks in Spain. This project has the support of a large UK retailer, which, for the moment, will be the main destination for the product.
Greenshoots is one of the largest leek producers in the UK and Beyond Field is a Spanish specialist producer with farms in Seville. "The project is in its second season, with leek plants currently being planted," explains Enrique Parias, manager of Beyond Fields. In the future, the project aims to cultivate in an organic way.
"Our client wants to replace the baby leeks produced in South Africa, since producing them in Spain offers great advantages: the product is fresher than that of African countries and the logistics are simpler, so the shelf life improves substantially. Another advantage is the reduction of the carbon footprint and of the use of chemicals," he affirms.
The project's first season was a success. The quality of the product was exceptional and there was continued supply for 20 weeks. The goal for the second season is to consolidate the project in terms of both cultivation and logistics, and expand it to other countries.
"Baby leeks produced in Spain are available between January and June. The target has been to obtain the freshest possible product and to have full control of the cold chain," points out Enrique Parias.
Baby leeks are a "gourmet" product. They are harvested six weeks earlier than conventional leeks and washed immediately afterwards in the field. Their sweet taste and tenderness are very special and truly appreciated by gourmet chefs.
According to Enrique Parias, "this is an interesting niche market in which there is not much competition. For now, we will work with this client, and if we consolidate, we want to grow with this product and offer it to other potential customers."
This season, the project will also feature tests of other baby products, such as carrots, cauliflowers, parsnips and beets.
For more information:
Enrique Parias
Beyond Fields
M: +34 663 267 919
eparias@bebeyond.es
www.lajoyadelacorona.es