The winter open ground vegetable campaign is underway in the Spanish region of Navarre. While artichokes, an emblematic product for the region, have become a big part of the local gastronomy, broccoli and, especially, cauliflower are once again recording high demand in both the national and export markets.
“At the beginning of the campaign, there was a lot of uncertainty about whether we could plant the same area as in previous years due to the drought. At FHF, we took a risk and have cultivated as much or more than in previous campaigns, and with very good results, as the prospects regarding the water flow have not come true and we have been able to do our work really well," says Sara Oliver, from FHF.
“The campaign started off strong. Broccoli is a product that we have been promoting for years and its consumption has grown quite a bit, not just among adults, but also among the youngest. At the beginning of the year, there was a certain slowdown due to rising temperatures, which also had an impact on consumption. However, we are very happy with how the season is developing.”
Data shared by the Ministry of Agriculture on a weekly basis confirm the price drops recorded since week 2 of this year, but they also reveal that, during much of the season, the prices of broccoli and cauliflower, as well as those of artichoke, have remained above those of the previous campaign. In the case of brassicas, prices have been up to twice as high as a year ago.
“We still have 50% of the production to harvest, so we will be perfectly able to continue supplying broccoli throughout February and March,” says Sara. “We will also have cauliflower throughout February and, depending on the weather, perhaps also in early March. Cauliflower has its own market niche, but this year the demand has been higher than usual. In fact, if we had had 100% more cauliflower, we would have still managed to sell it all, because there has been a shortage in the market and everyone wanted what was available.”
For more information:
FHF
Avda. Navarra 70 - 31512 Fontellas, Navarre. Spain
Tel. +34 948 825 916
info@fhfontellas.com
www.fhfontellas.com