Anecoop grows by 10.7% in revenue and 4.8% in volume

At its General Assembly of partners, Anecoop has presented its main results of the 2015-2016 campaign before representatives of its 68 cooperatives and associated agricultural companies across Spain. The event counted with the presence of the Councillor of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development of Andalusia, Maria del Carmen Ortiz, the Regional Secretary of Agriculture of the Government of Valencia, Francisco Rodríguez Mulero, the Rector of the University of Almeria, Carmelo Rodríguez, and other representatives of agricultural institutions and associations.

The figures reveal that Anecoop has closed its best campaign to date in terms of volume sold, exceeding 700,000 tonnes for the fourth consecutive year, and in terms of revenue, with 639 million Euro (when it comes to the activities carried out by its delegations in Spain). The consolidated results of all the companies in the group amount to 930,000 tonnes and 802 million Euro.

The higher growth in turnover than in volume has entailed an improvement in the liquidations received by the partner producers. Anecoop is currently partnered and provides support to about 27,000 producers in 10 provinces of 4 autonomous regions.

Prior to the Assembly, Anecoop executives offered a press conference in which Anecoop President Alejandro Monzón said: "Anecoop is a business model that has managed to consolidate in four decades as a leader in the fruit and vegetable trade in Europe. We have been able to evolve and adapt to changes, to continue growing and create a commercial network that allows our partners to export their production to 69 countries and keep it on the shelves all year round."

For his part, Anecoop Director General Joan Mir said: "We want Anecoop to become a stronger and more powerful company in the next 40 years; one capable of supporting and developing a competitive and sustainable agriculture and guarantee an optimal profitability for partners and producers." The Director General also pointed out that all subsidiaries and associates enjoy good commercial and financial health, as reflected in the consolidated figures. At domestic level, he highlighted the full integration of the structure of Almeria's delegation by the end of last season, as well as the joining of a new partner at the start of the 2016-2017 campaign (Seville's FOASAT) and the creation of an Association of Economic Interest for the marketing of quality Almeria-grown papayas across Europe, the company "Exóticos del Sur".

Also present at the press conference were the presidents of the Coprohníjar and Hortamar cooperatives, Juan Segura and Manuel Moreno, both members of the Anecoop Governing Council, who applauded the decision to hold the General Assembly in Almeria in a year of special significance for the company: the 25th anniversary of the launch of the seedless watermelon Bouquet; a project that started precisely in that province.

The group of vegetables has recorded a remarkable growth, both in terms of volume (+42.2%) and in turnover (+34%), with a strong consolidation of sales in the Spanish market. The campaign has been irregular, depending on the type of products. (Lettuce and broccoli have become consolidated and there are large variations in the tomato production). Worthy of note is the performance of fresh cut vegetables, which have recorded both volume and price increases.

This group has been clearly marked by the progress of watermelons and Persimon kakis. In 2015-16, more than 110,000 tonnes of watermelons and 80,000 tonnes of kakis were marketed. When it comes to stonefruit, the revene has grown by 8%, with very significant increases in the case of Paraguayo peaches and platerines. Also noteworthy is the growth recorded by pomegranates, as well as the marketing of kiwis and papayas. As for fresh cut fruit, there has been a very significant increase, with about 800,000 fruit containers sold this year.

This campaign has been marked by the entry into full operation of Solagora, a subsidiary company devoted exclusively to the marketing of Bio products. Its existence has allowed Anecoop to position itself as one of the key operators in this market. In terms of turnover, there has been a 4% growth, although in terms of volume it only accounts for 1.6% of the total marketed by Anecoop.

This campaign has been a "turning point" for citrus products after five very bad years. The volume of citrus marketed has fallen by 10.6%, but prices have increased by around 19%, with positive results for almost all varieties, including Clementines and Navel oranges. In lemons, there has been a significant 75% growth in turnover, in sharp contrast with the 35% decrease in volume.

Anecoop currently brings together 68 horticultural and wine cooperatives that export their products to 69 countries. Europe is the main export destination, with France at the top with 176,000 tonnes marketed. For the first time, the second market for Anecoop has been the domestic market (with around 146,000 tonnes) and Germany is in third place, with 124,000 tonnes marketed. The EU market accounts for just over 90% of its exports. In recent years, Anecoop's market share has grown in a very significant way in the countries of Eastern Europe.