"Spain: "Higher cherimoya prices this campaign"

The continued high temperatures in spring and summer slightly advanced the start of the cherimoya campaign in Granada, the main producing area of this exotic fruit in Spain and Europe. At the moment, while still waiting for larger volumes to hit the market, prices are higher and more stable than last year, although it should be noted that the production becomes somewhat smaller each year because no new trees are being planted.

"The fruit started to be marketed in week 36, in early September," states Bruno Crabé, of the sales department of Frutas Rafael Manzano, of Granada. "With this first harvest, we have so far had good product availability and a market with a stable demand and prices compared to previous years," affirms Crabé. "The situation could change as harvest volumes increase," he added.

The acreage devoted to cherimoya cultivation has been gradually reduced in recent years, mostly because producers prefer to plant avocados and mangoes when the cherimoya trees grow old, motivated by the good commercial momentum of these subtropical fruits. "We still need to do much more to promote this fruit as a sector as a whole. It is a rather unknown fruit in Spain outside of Andalusia, and much more outside our borders. In the Netherlands, the fruit's consumers are mainly Spanish and Moroccan. It is a very Mediterranean product."

According to Crabé, research into new seedless varieties with a longer shelf life could help the sector boost the export of this fruit, making it more convenient, palatable and less delicate in its handling and transport. "Some research centres, like La Mayora, are trying to obtain a cherimoya variety without seeds and with a thicker skin to ensure the fruit has a longer shelf life," he points out.

For more information:
Bruno Crabé
Alberto Casanova
Frutas Rafael Manzano e Hijos S.L.
Poli. Ind. "La Gasolinera", 43-44
Salobreña, Granada. Spain.
T: +34958612597
bruno@frutasmanzano.com
alberto@frutasmanzano.com
www.frutasmanzano.com