Paraguayos (wild peaches) and Platerinas (flat nectarines) are doing very well on markets. Although the products are not massively represented in shops, it’s just a matter of time according to Pieter de Ruiter of 4 Fruit Company in Ridderkerk. "Production will undoubtedly increase in the coming years."
Although the sales of stone fruit in general have dwindled somewhat lately, the road is wide open, says Pieter. He considers the future for Paraguayo and Platerina promising. “Because of their shape and size, they’re quite easy to harvest, handle and wrap,” he says. “I expect the enthusiasm for Paraguayo and Platerina to increase further. Especially because the consumer wants something else for a change."
Large-scale retail availability has yet to materialize, but according to Pieter, decreasing prices are making it easier for retailers to place the items on shelves. “They need a little work on their presentation,” he thinks, “but once they hit supermarkets, they will sell.”
Cultivation takes place mostly in Spain and Italy. The largest production areas are located in the Spanish Lerida, at the bottom of the Pyrenees in Catalonia. Interest in the new product is mainly concentrated in Spain itself, but increasingly in Germany, Poland and Scandinavia as well. In France, there is hardly any interest and that will likely remain so, according to Pieter. "The French are very traditional and not so keen on big changes. They still market large quantities of peaches and nectarines. In this respect, Spain has always been innovative and progressive." Pieter notes that Russia is a major consumer of the fruit. "From Spain, large shipments of Paraguayos and Platerinas go directly to Russia."
pr@4fc.nl