After the dry and hot summer in northern Europe, the onion harvest has been too small. In Spain, however, there has been an increase in both volumes and sizes.
This increase has motivated a quick movement of onions in Spanish packing facilities which, like the rest of Europe, have needed to import onions from the southern hemisphere (New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, Tasmania, etc.) to meet the constant demand. However, certain family businesses, such as Agorreta, do not see the need to take risks importing onions without controlling the product's quality.
This family business, based in the fertile lands of the Vega del Ebro, produces Grano onions of a unique color and firmness in its 130 hectares of plantations. "The climate of the Ribera del Ebro, with harsh winters and wind, allows us to produce a firmer onion with a longer shelf life. Its quality has always been highly appreciated in the European market," says G. Agorreta.
The company, which is dedicated to producing, packing and marketing, supplies its onions to different markets, large retailers and supermarkets under the brands Agorreta, Alberto and Montecillo.
Since its founding in 1985, its market vision has remained the same: growing and selling a quality onion and meeting the market's needs. It offers a wide range of formats to be able to meet the needs of different customers. In its own packaging plant, it packs 1,000 kg big bags; 25 kg, 20 kg, 15 kg and 10 kg bags, as well as other smaller formats.
Although most countries are increasingly self-sufficient, the onions from the Ribera del Ebro are gaining ground in Europe because of their quality, shelf life and firmness. The demand increases gradually year after year. As an exporter since 1995, this company is able to satisfy the demands of a loyal clientele, working in different European markets, and in the case of the United Kingdom, with a stable demand that does not seem to be affected by Brexit.
"Although Spain is specialized in large sizes, the biggest customers prefer an 80-90 caliber, which is our ideal size," says Guillermo Agorreta.
This year, the boom in the demand at a domestic level has sparked enthusiasm among most Spanish growers, pushing them to expand the acreage; however, Agorreta has decided not to do so, and remain focused on offering a stable quality and caliber. "This dry and warmer spring will allow for an optimum sowing, unlike last year, which was rainier. As far as expanding the acreage is concerned, we prefer to remain cautious, as doing so could be harmful," concludes Guillermo Agorreta.
For more information:
Guillermo Agorreta, gerente
Agorreta
C/ Sol, 14
31512 Fontellas, Navarra. Spain
T: + (34) 948 82 79 72
grupoagorreta@gmail.com
www.agorreta.es