Spain: 85 million kgs of cucumbers exported by Alhóndica La Unión

This firm is one of the largest cucumber producers and exporters in Europe, with close to 85 million kilos exported to the main supermarket chains in Europe, such as Lidl, Carrefour, Metro and Edeka, as well as to wholesale retailers.

Its greenhouses produce all kinds of vegetables, and also melons, with cucumbers as its main product, produced in three different varieties: Dutch cucumber, which is the longest; French cucumber, of an average size; and the small Spanish cucumber. The peculiarity of Dutch cucumbers, besides their great size and quality, is that they can be sold during the entire year. 

Dutch cucumbers

"We export Spanish cucumbers only in the winter to countries like Russia and Ukraine," says Guillermo Justo, marketing manager at Alhóndiga La Unión, who affirms that, although the price of cucumbers has lowered, "the price is now at normal levels."

What happened in Almería regarding the E.Coli virus, which was totally blown out of proportion, is still in recent memory; however, growers from Almería knew how to react and made significant advances in phytosanitary treatments. "Since that happened, 100% of our production of cucurbits (cucumber and pepper) goes through strict controls," affirms Justo. Additionally, "all cucumbers are mechanically processed."

Guillermo Justo at Alhóndiga La Unión's stand.

One of the investments made this year by the firm is an expansion of its facilities. "We have added an automatic cooling chamber with a capacity for 3,000 pallets," he explains. 

Besides this, the firm has expanded its presence in the retail sector with the signing of a contract with El Corte Inglés for the distribution of its new brand "Aldea Verde" in the hypermarkets of the group (Hipercor, Supermercados El Corte Inglés and Supercor), including products such as: wok vegetables, mixed vegetables for frying, and vegetables for grilling; all available in trays of 250 and 500 grams.

For more information:
Guillermo Justo
Alhóndiga La UNION
Polig. Ind. La Redonda s/n El Ejido (Almería-España)
T: +34 950580800
marketing@alhondigalaunion.es
www.alhodigalaunion.es