The snow and subsequent rains that have taken place on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, and especially in the area of Murcia, have resulted in significant losses for citrus growers. According to Francisco Vicente Gea, Export Manager at Belsan, "the lemons that were in the lower part of the trees, specifically those located in the first 50 cm measuring from below, have been lost this year," he affirms.
This situation has led producers and exporters in the area to demand price increases to compensate for the situation, "but it seems that the competition has either plenty of lemons or few customers," says Gea. Apparently, the prices are falling, causing disappointment for producers. Every year, Belsan supplies about 20,000 tonnes to consumers; however, their own production only accounts for 15% of this volume. Thus, since they are in contact with growers in the area, they know very well what their opinions are.
Today, Belsan only devotes 5% of its production to the domestic market, shipping the rest to Nordic countries, France, the UK, Hungary, Poland and northern Italy. At the moment, Turkey is its main competitor, clarifies Gea. "Labour there is much cheaper, which is reflected in the final price of the product, and it is very difficult to compete against that."
More information:
Francisco Vicente Gea Belmonte
Belsán SL
Tel. +34 630943670