The violet artichoke campaign in Spain is now at its peak in terms of production volume. "Until mid-February, violet artichoke prices have been very good, much less volatile than those of lettuce, which has been more affected by the adverse weather conditions," says Josephine Cuadras, manager of the Almeria-based company Cuadraspania.
"As of mid-February, the plants produce much more and prices fall due to the abundant supply. Italy is a big violet artichoke producer, although also a large consumer, so its competition is not usually felt until this time of the year, although they are currently being forced to export. At the moment, the market is very competitive in terms of prices, although this also gives a boost to the demand," explains the exporter.
In Spain, both producers and consumers are more interested in white artichoke, with violet artichoke being a more niche product, which results in a less crowded market. For this reason, Cuadraspania has stopped cultivating white artichoke this year in order to specialise in violet artichoke, which is smaller and less fleshy than the white one, and which they market both in bundles and in bulk.
Its main customer is France, although they also sell to the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, where the product is mainly used by restaurants. In France, there is a great violet artichoke production and a tradition to consume it, so the competition is fierce. "This is a market that always bets on the local production whenever it is available, so if France has a good harvest, our sales are affected," explains Josephine.
However, it seems that France will be arriving late this year because of the heavy rainfall in Provence and French Brittany, which are the main producing areas. "April will be interesting this year, as we'll be able to extend our sales of violet artichoke in France."
Regarding the prospects for the future, Josephine believes that the popularity of artichokes will continue to grow. "We hope that, over time, the consumption of artichokes in Europe will increase considerably. If consumers were aware of the many nutritional qualities of the product, we are sure that artichokes would become essential for many European homes. For now, we are seeing its consumption grow in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, although Germany is still a tough market, as there is no tradition of consumption there."
For next year, the company plans to study the launch of two new lines of violet artichokes: a Bio line and a Zero Waste line, so that "in addition to being a healthy product, it also becomes more sustainable. This is something that big distribution chains, and of course the consumers, really appreciate."
Cuadraspania will be present as an exhibitor at the next edition of the Medfel fair, in Perpignan, which will be held from 24 to 25 April.
For more information:
Joséphine Cuadras
Cuadraspania, S.L.
Camino Cuatro Higueras s/n
Barriada de Burjulú
04610 Cuevas del Almanzora, Almeria. Spain
T: + 34 950 52 90 43
M: +34 629 111 331
josephine.cuadras@cuadraspania.com
www.cuadraspania.com