Spanish leafy and brassica vegetables are currently taking over from local productions in the rest of Europe, later than usual this year, due to the generally warm weather. The Spanish vegetable season is starting with a new player in the sector, although one with extensive experience.
© Hortial
"This week, Spain has already started delivering significant batches of leafy and brassica vegetables to all European countries. The unusually hot weather up until now has resulted in our production starting earlier, but due to the good weather at the destination, local campaigns in Europe have also been extended. Although we've had a slightly difficult start, the transition to 100% Spanish production in European markets should be completed by next week," says Felipe Gómez, manager of the new company Hortial Fresh.
Based in Roquetas de Mar, in the Spanish province of Almeria, and founded in June this year, Hortial Fresh is the result of Felipe's entrepreneurial spirit after 36 years as general manager of a well-known company in Almeria.
© Hortial
"The moment came when I felt that my time at what had been my home for so many years had come to an end and that it was time to start my own business with my partner. The truth is that I am really excited about this new project, which relies on the production of small families specialized in growing vegetables in Almeria, Murcia, and the south of Alicante," says Felipe Gómez.
"These are families who know very well how to produce, but lack the know-how or the infrastructure to market their crops. We have managed to ensure that 100% of their production - around 700 hectares at the moment - now reaches more than 20 retailers across Europe. Our growers have also recently certified for organic production and marketing," he says.
© Hortial
Hortial supplies Iceberg and Romaine lettuce, lettuce heads, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, kohlrabi, and pak choi, as well as tomatoes and peppers from one of the largest growers in Almeria. It's covering both the Spanish season and supplying large volumes of tomatoes from the Netherlands to Spanish retailers and suppliers in the off-season, thanks to an agreement with an important Dutch grower. Garlic from La Mancha is also part of its portfolio. "We are able to supply the majority of products all year round," says Felipe.
"Although the beginning of the leafy vegetable season is proving to be challenging, we hope that the arrival of the cold weather will regulate production at the source and boost demand. We have very good prospects with this project, and the truth is that I feel really excited about it," says Felipe Gómez. "I'm very grateful for the support we have received from all the chains we work with."
For more information:
Felipe Gómez García
Hortial Fresh, S.L.
Tel.: +34 660 30 48 59
[email protected]
