"Clementines with leaf are our specialty; we are currently working with Nadorcott and Ortanique mandarins, and in two weeks we hope to start marketing the Murcott and Orri varieties," explains Jose Mechó, manager of Agribur.
Based in the municipality of La Vall d'Uixó, Castellon, Agribur has its headquarters in the heart of the clementine production area par excellence. Every year, the company sells around 20 million kilos of clementines and oranges.
The company's tradition and experience in the marketing of clementines with leaf gives it the know-how to work with any mandarin or clementine variety, and this, according to José Mechó, becomes more noticeable at this stage of the campaign, "since late varieties are more difficult to handle with leaf and not all companies dare," he points out. The fact is that competition in the field of fruits with leaf has become fiercer in recent campaigns. "In the past, there were only a few, and now there are many companies that have taken the step to start working with leaf."
Oranges with leaf, however, are less common in the market, but they could become more popular in the future. "For now it is a very small market, but I think it will develop little by little in the coming years. We are also considering the possibility."
Low supply for a market with stagnant consumption
At present, they are offering small volumes of clementines and oranges because there is little production available in the field. However, according to José Mechó, "consumption is not high either, so, although we continue to ship, the market in general is fairly quiet, especially when compared to the same dates in the previous campaign."
With consumption currently stagnant, the exporter believes that supply at more competitive prices from other sources also takes a toll on their sales. "Morocco can supply clementines at lower prices and Egypt and Turkey are pushing prices down with their oranges. This has a negative impact at times when consumption is not lively."
Thus, large-calibre oranges are the most sought-after at this time. "Wholesale markets do not usually demand larger oranges, but this year there is a shortage, so higher prices are paid for them. Supermarket chains tend to prefer medium sizes," he explains.
"The lack of post-harvest treatments prevents us from exporting far"
Agribur devotes almost its entire production to the export market, with France as its main customer, followed by Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. The fruit is intended both for traditional markets and supermarket chains.
"We don't plan to expand outside the European Union because our fruit doesn't undergo any post-harvest treatments, so it would not be able to withstand very long trips of more than 3 or 4 days by road. At the same time, this differentiates us from the competition, which in turn entails higher prices," points out José Mechó.
For more information:
José R. Mechó
Agribur S.L.
Ctra. Burriana- Segorbe, km. 23.5.
La Vall d'Uixó (Castellón). Spain
T: +34 964670215
M: +34 669819149
comercial@agribur.es
www.agribur.es