Spain: Sharp decline of clementine production in Tarragona

The clementine campaign this year in the area of Tarragona, south Catalonia, Spain, is marked by an important decline in production volumes. "Although it is still early to make an assessment, so far the initial estimates are being realised and we are harvesting between 35 to 40% less than in 2011," says Federico Tarazona, director of the exporter d'Agris d'Alcanar SCCL.

The latest rains in the area have somehow had an impact on quality. "The rains have not caused damage, but they have not been helpful either. It is still too early to tell for sure. We truly depend on the weather and anything can happen."

Due to the lower production and that demand has more or less remained the same, it seems prices will be a little higher.

Although Morocco is Europe's main competitor, for Mr Tarazona there is not much of a difference because they also offer a quality product, and he adds that "they prefer working with the 'Fina' mandarin variety and with smaller sizes, besides doing more of the packing in wooden boxes."

The exporter d'Agris d'Alcazar SCCL has two citrus production lines with intertwined size detectors and also has modern and functional facilities, "to satisfy our customers in terms of availability, quantity and quality," he explains.

The firm exports its citrus all over the world under the brand MONTSIA, and in January it will start with the Navel Late orange campaign.

For more information:
Federico Tarazona (Director)
Exportadora d´Agris d´Alcanar SCCL
Partida Planetes, Polígono 14, Parcela 409
Alcanar 43530-Tarragona, Spain
T: +34 977 73 00 00
direccion@copalca.com
www.copalca.com