José Beltrán, of Hispalco. “The export campaign kicks off with a lively market and good prices.”
Spanish strawberries losing market share in the Netherlands and Belgium
For this year’s campaign, which is only just starting, “the markets so far are responding well in terms of prices. Furthermore, supply and demand are balanced”, he explains.
Premium Hispalco strawberries, sold under the brands Monna Lisa© and Unicorn©, are reaching approximately 3.80 Euro per box and around 1.20 Euro per 250 gram container of the Fortuna variety. The firm will then continue with the Splendor, Candonga and Sabrina varieties and finish the campaign with the Camarosa.
The main destinations for these strawberries are Central European countries, “although we also have large clients in other countries, like the United States or Canada,” affirms Beltrán. “The Russian market and the United Arab Emirates are markets where we are now starting to consolidate.”
The Netherlands and Belgium increasingly preferring to consume their own produce
It is becoming more and more difficult to export Spanish strawberries to the Netherlands and Belgium at the same price levels as a few years ago. These countries have considerably increased their own production volumes; a growing trend which will continue, as greenhouse growers discovered how profitable the crop is. Consequently, many have switched from vegetables to strawberries, which can be produced all year round.
“While production volumes in these countries were low, we were not affected, but now they are managing to cover their own domestic demand. There are importers who prefer to pay more for Belgian and Dutch strawberries, as even though they are not as tasty as Spanish strawberries, they have a longer shelf life. This is a handicap for us, as we often need to lower our prices to be able to sell.”
Regarding the impact of competition from other producers, like Egypt or Morocco, the difference lies heavily in that “their quality and presentation are at a lower standard. Israeli strawberries can compete with Spain’s in terms of quality; however, if Spanish strawberries have been produced with care, they will have the advantage.”
New campaign, new packaging formats
“Within the strawberry sector, we are meant to keep up to date with the new packaging formats launched almost every season. Our brands Monna Lisa© and Unicorn© are always very well presented, and although we don’t invent anything, we keep incorporating new formats. This season we have introduced the K-60 container, in 400 and 500 gram formats; the F-500 container for 500 grams, and a compact recycled cardboard box, to be used with our organic strawberries, with a capacity of 1 kilo.”
Fruit Logistica, the place to showcase its slogan QUALITY IS IN OUR DNA
“Hispalco has attended Fruit Logistica for the past 5 years, always surpassing everyone’s expectations in terms of the stand’s presentation, its commitment to satisfy its clients and suppliers and in the quality of the products presented. For this reason, our slogan remains unchanged: QUALITY IS IN OUR DNA.”
“This year we will introduce our CLASSIC EDITION under the Monna Lisa©, Unicorn© and Hispalco®Bio brands: a vintage presentation for oranges and clementines intended to be sold by retailers and which will be available all year round.”
Hispalco S.A. is a family business which “has been growing steadily year after year and has plenty of potential to continue doing so in the future,” affirms its manager. All Hispalco team members “has an entrepreneurial spirit, and that is at the core of our company’s values.”
Hispalco will welcome all visitors at Hall 11.2, stand B-08 of Fruit Logistica 2014, in Messe Berlin, from 5 to 7 February.
For more information:
Ana Beltrán
HISPALCO, S.A.
C/ Barranco Pascual, 45. Pol. Ind. Campo Aníbal.
46530 Puzol, Valencia. Spain.
T: +34 963404422
M: +34606686319
abeltran@hispalco.com
www.hispalco.com