The Spanish table grape season is almost at its halfway point in the Region of Murcia, the main producing area. Sales are going more smoothly compared to last year thanks to the lower supply pressure since the beginning of the season.
"Egypt, our strongest competitor in terms of prices, finished its campaign a little earlier than usual this year, allowing us to work with emptier markets," says Antonio Caballero, manager of Frutas Torero. "The demand has been higher so far and we can say that we have sold more than in the same period last year. Besides, prices are being good," he says.
The volumes of the earliest varieties, such as the Superior, have been somewhat lower, while in general, the Murcian production continues to grow slightly and steadily. "Unlike stone fruit trees, table grapes are handled by fewer operators, so the supply is under greater control," says Antonio Caballero.
Other countries of the Mediterranean arc, such as Italy and Greece, haven't been putting much pressure on the markets, as their productions have been affected by the heat. "While Italy is not a rival for us in terms of prices, Greece is for seedless white grapes, although they are investing more and more in improving their cultivation, which should lead to higher costs in the future."
While this company has been a pioneer in opening new markets in Asia, current logistical difficulties due to container shortages and high ocean freight costs make these far-flung destinations a less secure option this year. "Despite the problems with the logistics, the demand in Europe is doing reasonably well, so for the time being, we are shipping fewer quantities to overseas markets. Selling in Europe always entails less risk."
The Murcian table grape campaign usually ends at the end of October, depending on the impact of the weather, but this year it is expected to end earlier. "If everything goes as it has been going so far, without any impact from the rains and with the fruit leaving the fields at the same pace, I don't think we will make it until the end of October this year," says Antonio Caballero.
Based in Abarán, Murcia, Frutas Torero produces around 6 million kilos of seedless table grapes of white, red and black varieties. "This year we have invested in planting 30 new hectares that will become fully productive in about 3 years and will allow us to reach 8 million kilos. We continue to implement varietal renewal in our fields; something that is of paramount importance for us. We have to stay really up to date in the world of table grapes," he says.
This year, the company will be exhibiting again at the Madrid fair Fruit Attraction after having cancelled last year due to the pandemic. "This is a very personal business. My clients are actually friends and it is essential to be able to see each other face to face. We are looking forward to meeting again, taking all the necessary precautions, as we have already been doing in the packing house and in the field."
For more information:
Antonio Caballero Palazón
Frutas Torero
Avenida constitución 15.
30550 Abarán (Murcia). Spain.
T: +34 968 451 536
[email protected]
www.frutastorero.com
www.hortofruticolatopi.com
