Following the pandemic, in July 2021, eleven highly experienced greenhouse vegetable growers from Granada decided to join forces. Through this association, they aimed to achieve greater productive stability and strength in marketing, and so they founded Agrotropical S.A.T.
"Since then, we have been growing exponentially, managing to double our turnover in the 2022/23 season," says manager Almudena. "The main products grown by our members are cherry tomatoes (all varieties) and Dutch cucumbers, which together account for 80% of Agrotropical's total production. However, we also work with subtropical fruits, watermelons, and plum tomatoes for export."
"Regarding cherry tomatoes, we focus on flavorful varieties, which is what all markets are looking for tasty tomatoes, whether they are red, yellow, round, or of the plum type," she says. "The demand for cherry tomatoes has remained generally stable throughout the entire campaign. Each variety has its niche, but plum cherry tomatoes, particularly the Angelle variety, have seen the most significant growth due to their flavor and quality, as they offer a plus to consumers in terms of quality and sweetness."
"This variety is already well-established in the market and has the organoleptic characteristics expected of tomatoes. It also holds up very well in the post-harvest, which makes it ideal for export, and that is what we do with all our production. Therefore, this tomato plays a very important role in our production planning."
"Besides the cherry, plum tomatoes have also shown great stability in exports this year," says Almudena. "Each tomato has its place in the market, and plum tomatoes have performed very well this campaign thanks to the temperatures in Granada and Almería. For us, in fact, it's a perfect tomato for export in terms of firmness, flavor, and quality, and fortunately, we have not seen any decrease in its production or demand."
Regarding the Almería-type cucumber, the season is gradually coming to an end, and the Netherlands is currently taking over in the European market. "The cycles are already ending," says Almudena. "The planting is usually carried out mainly between mid-September and mid-October, and we expect a considerable reduction in the production ahead of March."
"Prices in January and February were lower than in previous years; however, October, November, and December have been very strong months, with temperatures speeding up the production process and with prices at higher levels than in previous campaigns, so overall, our members' experience has been positive."
Agrotropical currently has 130 members, a significant growth from the initial 11 members who launched the project in 2021. "We have achieved great expansion, and we hope to continue growing and further establishing ourselves in the market in the coming years. In fact, we are currently open to the incorporation of new members to our SAT, which, although young, has already gained recognition as a producers' organization in Andalusia."
For more information:
Agrotropical S.A.T.
Calle Polígono 5, parcela 258
18750 La Guapa, Granada, Spain
almudena.alonso@agrotropicalsat.es