"It is still too early to evaluate the damages, but we know that trees were not affected by hail. There will, however, be problems with wasted and rotted fruit in the next orange and clementine harvest, as moisture levels are higher and winds are stronger," explains Alejandro Peiró, Commercial Director of Peiró Camaró.
"In any case, because we did not encounter problems with frosts, the season so far is good in terms of quality, with satisfactory prices for clementines. It is, however, a difficult season for oranges, which up until now have registered very low prices," he says. "At the moment we are working with the Nadorcot and Murcot mandarins and the Navel Late oranges, with which we can continue during March, April and May, along with other varieties such as the Navel Powel and Navel Chislet. We will finish with the Valencia Late in June and July."
Once this stage of the campaign is completed without any severe damage caused by bad weather, the greatest threat to Spanish citrus, according to Alejandro Peiró, is the strong competition that Egypt will bring in 15 to 20 days with varieties such as the Valencia Late.
"Egypt introduces large production volumes into the market at really cheap prices. Its citrus production has significantly grown thanks to low production and labour costs. The Government offers arable lands at extremely affordable prices on the banks of the river Nile, so irrigation costs are very low. With these advantages, and with lower maritime transport costs, they can offer very competitive prices, exporting to the same markets as us," he explains.
In any case, Alejandro affirms that the quality of Spanish oranges is more appreciated, although in an environment of recession, prices end up playing a major role. Egyptian oranges cannot compete with Spain in quality, neither can Moroccan oranges; only in prices."
Meanwhile, the European Union may forbid the access of South African imports if too many cases of Citrus Black Spot are found. "If South African oranges stop being imported by then, prices will shoot up in Europe," he explains.
Based in Algemesí, in the Spanish province of Valencia, and with more than 300 hectares for its own production, Peiró Camaró is devoted to the growing and commercialisation of oranges and clementines which the firm exports mainly to Europe, the United States (in October and November), Canada, Eastern Europe and Russia. "Our exports to Russia have been steadily increasing over the past two years," he indicates.
Peiró Camaró offers a truly personalised packing service, with a wide range of packaging options for its citrus, from nets, trays and wooden, cardboard and plastic boxes, to Girsak, D-Pack, "Pitufo" and Green Box, labelled with its most recognised brand, MEINE SÜSSE, used especially in Germany, and other brands such as PEICA or BONJOUR.
Alejandro Peiró and Carolina Santamaría, at Peiró Camaró's stand at the recent Fruit Logistica.
For more information:
Alejandro Peiró
Peiró Camaró
Polígono Cotes B. C/ Aiguaders, 6/10
Algemesí. Valencia. Spain
Tel:+ 34 96 244 83 26
[email protected]
www.peirocamaro.es
