The European stone fruit season is in its final stretch. "The Paraguayo production has been sizeable, but the supply of high-quality fruit has been generally scarce," said Ángel Vallín of breeder ASF Edition, owner of the Ondine flat stone fruit brand. The volume continues to grow, driven by market demand. Together with its parent company Frutaria, the breeder has the largest share in the flat nectarine market.
"In Spain, the stone fruit season has been difficult, especially for Paraguayos, due to oversupply during much of the season. This was due to overlap between different growing areas and higher yields than in previous years. However, there hasn't been much supply of quality fruit. The fruit did not have the right sizes and the Brix value was also low, mainly due to the large amount of fruit on the trees."
"However, in a difficult year like this one is when our genetics stand out the most. In terms of quality, we have been offering Paraguayos and flat nectarines that are totally different from what the market has on offer. Traders and retailers seeking quality want this kind of products, and we have seen a great demand," said Ángel Vallín.
"The brand's range of Paraguayo and flat nectarine varieties is the result of breeding work focused on taste. The goal is an optimal eating experience," he says.
To keep a brand strong, the quality needs to stay constant throughout the season, said Ángel Vallín. "We have a range of varieties for different growing areas in several countries that guarantee a constant supply of fruit with the same taste and quality parameters," he said.
"Therefore, despite heat waves, drought and other unfavorable weather conditions, such as the floods in Italy, we have been able to meet our expectations. We are happy with the results and we continue to grow steadily, in line with the demand from traders and retailers who appreciate all this."
ASF Edition has the largest share in the flat nectarine market and is pioneering the supply of varieties with full pistil closure and high taste standards for easy on-the-go consumption as a healthy snack.
"In Spain, about 50% of the flat nectarine acreage (between 900 and 1,000 hectares) corresponds to the Ondine. In France, we have a share of between 90 and 95%, and in Italy, with 250 hectares, we also have a good share," said Ángel Vallín. "This is also the first year in which we have planted flat nectarines in Greece. Our share is very high compared to the competition because the market demands the quality of this genetic material and the service that comes with it."
This is a category that, although relatively unpopular until now, is bound to boom. "The public is not yet too familiar with flat nectarines, but consumers are pleasantly surprised when they see how easy they are to eat and how good the taste is, with a Brix value ranging between 16 and 18. There is nothing comparable on the market, and that's allowing the category to grow and to take increasingly more space on the shelves."
For more information:
Ángel Vallín
Agro Séléctions Fruits ASF
Route d'Alenya
La Prade de Mousseillous
66200 Elne, France
angel-vallin@regal-in.com
ondine-fruit.com/es/