The first third of the persimmon season in Spain is almost complete, and so far, production is down by more than 20% compared to the first harvest forecasts, which pointed to around 340,000 tons.
"With the first part of the season already over, we see that the total persimmon production in Spain has been reduced by between 20 and 22% so far. It is a consequence of the unusually high temperatures recorded up until now, which are also making it more difficult to combat pests such as Cotonet," says Pascual Prats, president of the Spanish Kaki Association.
"Harvest prospects for this year were quite positive, but once the game has 'kicked off', we are seeing production losses of at least 20%," says Pedro Sánchez, manager of the Valencian cooperative CANSO. "At least, the latest rains have allowed the fruit to grow to larger calibers."
© CANSO
Sánchez says that "despite the drop in yields, quality has not been affected at any time, and it is really high this season."
According to Sánchez, prices at the source have remained high since the beginning of the season. "Prices are higher, bearing in mind that production costs, including workers' wages, have also increased substantially in recent years. This is something we are trying to pass on to the retail, as we have to ensure the survival of the growers," he says.
CANSO produces around 40,000 tons of persimmons annually from its more than 1,500 hectares. "We have already had several years with reductions in our productive potential, either because of natural disasters, such as last year's storms and floods, or because of the effect of pests on productivity," says the cooperative's manager.
In order to extend the campaign and diversify its production, the cooperative has recently introduced the new persimmon variety Oreto, which is characterized by being an early fruit, harvested between September 10 and 25, with a sweet and juicy flavor, a crunchy texture, and an attractive color that has earned it the Flavor of the Year 2025 award in Spain.
© CANSO
"We have had our own varietal improvement program for 20 years. This year we have harvested 300 tons of Oreto, but in 2-3 years we expect to reach 1.5 million kilos. We also already have other early and late varieties selected and registered in order to expand our portfolio," says Sánchez.
CANSO's persimmon production is mainly intended for export, although the domestic market is also important because it supplies the country's main supermarket chain, Mercadona.
© CANSOFor more information:
Pedro Sánchez
CANSO
Avda. Coop. Verge del Oreto, 1
46250 L'Alcúdia, Valencia. Spain
Tel.: +34 962 540 566
cansocoopv.es
For more information:
Asociación Española del Kaki
Calle Hernán Cortés, 4, 1.
46004 Valencia, Spain
Tel.: (+34) 902 920 515
[email protected]
www.aekaki.es
