The apricot harvest has just started in the Spanish province of Zaragoza, where production isn't abundant, and sizes have been larger since the beginning. Some growers are increasingly betting on this product, so new plantations are expected to continue coming into production in the next few years.
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"We have already started harvesting our earliest apricot varieties, with moderate production and good quality, thanks to the fact that, for now, we haven't been hit by the storms recorded in various parts of Aragon," says Sergio Alonso, Financial Director of the Zaragoza-based cooperative Cosanse.
"Soon we will also start harvesting peaches, nectarines, and flat peaches, with volumes expected to peak in July, and we'll continue to have a supply until September," he says.
In general, there has been a more limited fruit setting in Zaragoza compared to other years, so, according to Sergio Alonso, thinning costs have been reduced and fruit sizes are larger. Also, thanks to this year's abundant rainfall, there is no uncertainty regarding the availability of water for irrigation.
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Despite this year's moderate yields, the cooperative will have a good apricot supply. In fact, unlike other growing areas in Spain, the product is actually on the rise here.
"Our growers are betting on apricot because of its profitability, focusing on self-fertile varieties and extending the campaign until mid-August. This year, several young plantations are coming into production, and in the coming years, we will be growing in terms of volume. This year, we have invested in expanding our calibration machinery in order to be able to sell more apricots," says Alonso.
The first apricot shipments are intended for the domestic market and, in the short term, the cooperative will also start exporting. Profitable prices are expected for those shipments due to the low production of other suppliers, such as Turkey and Greece.
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Cosanse is also currently halfway through the cherry season, which could end a little earlier, in around three weeks, due to the intense heat. "Cherry and apricot sales are going well, as the heat is encouraging consumption across Europe," says Sergio Alonso.
For more information:
Sergio Alonso Zaragoza
Sociedad Cooperativa Agraria San Sebastián (Cosanse)
Tel.: +34 976600050
[email protected]
www.cosanse.com
