Grupo AGF, owner of the watermelon brand Fashion®, and the company SAT Agro Almanzora have expressed their indignation about the accusations made by the agricultural organisation COAG and stated the following:
"Grupo AGF imports watermelons grown on its own plantations in Senegal, and always when Almeria's production is not yet in season. Grupo AGF makes a great effort in planning to prevent the productions of Senegal and Almeria from overlapping. During the years in which Grupo AGF, through its partners, has produced watermelons in Senegal it has never been counterproductive to Almeria's fruit. With this, Grupo AGF merely aims to offer consumers a product during a period when it is not normally available, which helps consumers enjoy this fruit for longer."
"As regards the picture published by COAG with its statement, it is worth noting that the date on the label is 24 April, i.e., the product was packaged around 15 April, when production in Almeria was almost non-existent."
"Grupo AGF applies the same production and quality protocols in Senegal, Almeria and other production areas to ensure that Fashion® watermelon consumers can enjoy the same flavour and properties."
"Grupo AGF complies with the labelling regulations with all its products according to current legislation."
"Grupo AGF has never received subsidies from the Andalusian Government or other public entities."
"Grupo AGF wants to make it clear that its constant innovation in crops, production systems and product marketing pursues the development of partner companies, small producers, as well as the local economies where the 17 companies forming part of the group are based."
For its part, S.A.T. Agro Almanzora wished to stress that it produces no watermelons in Senegal but, as a member of Grupo AGF, it markets their fruit.
Therefore, S.A.T. Agro Almanzora requests the information issued by COAG to be corrected, as well as the withdrawal of slander and threats to the company. It also reserves the right to take legal action to safeguard its reputation.