"Europe had to look for suppliers where none were to be found"

Frosts in Italy and supply problems in much of southern Europe have led to a shortage of vegetables and even a renegotiation of contracts with large retailers.

"The production of Almeria's competitors has been considerably reduced as a result of the cold in Europe, and this has had an impact on the prices paid to the producers. This rise in prices has been welcomed by the growers, who have been able to take a breath after some very tough years," explains Mabel Salinas, head of communications at Caparrós Nature.

"Fortunately, we do not work with fixed-price contracts, so we have not suffered the price hike this campaign." According to the spokesperson of this Almeria-based company, "things have been complicated; the demand has exceeded Almeria's production and European retailers have had to look for suppliers where none were to be found. It has been hard work."

Caparrós owns 90 hectares of crops and works with approximately 100 growers who produce all kinds of vegetables, such as tomatoes, courgettes, peppers, aubergines, cucumbers, etc. They also produce Lobello cherry pear tomatoes, for which they have the exclusive rights in Spain.

"Our Lobello cherry pear tomato has been widely accepted in the markets and among our most demanding customers, who appreciate its distinctive flavour, texture, colour and sweetness," she assures. "It has a sweetness that even exceeds 11 º Brix, coupled with a colour and uniformity as attractive as its careful presentation, which also takes into account the guarantee that the product will arrive in the best conditions to the end consumer," she adds.

Last year, Caparrós introduced a new line of fresh cut and processed products made with this cherry pear tomato, including gazpacho, jam and mousse, which "have been very successful and demanded by consumers," she assures.

"Our efforts are always oriented towards quality and differentiation for our products; that is why we have the Premium Caparrós Range, formed by Tiger tomatoes, Raf Caparrós Tomatoes, Lobello Cherry Pear tomatoes and our Premium Caparrós Seedless watermelon," concludes Mabel Salinas.

Caparrós will be present at Fruit Logistica, Berlin, at stand B-O3g Hall 18.