Between Neuquén and the High Valley of Rio Negro, raspberries and blackberries are grown in around 500-800 hectares to supply the domestic market. "We produce two kinds of raspberries: Heritage and Autumn Bliss, although we plan to replace them for newer, more competitive and non-remontant varieties of the region, such as the Miker, Tulameen, Himbo Queen, etc. As for blackberries, we are working in promotional campaigns to increase domestic consumption," explains Sendón.
At times of peak demand, Argentina used to consume around 1,700 tonnes annually, but in recent years consumption has dropped a lot, down to 1,500 tonnes, without taking imports into consideration.
The product handled is mostly IQF (Individually Quick Frozen), mainly due to the great distances to the distribution centres, of up to 1,200 kms. Because of this, and the better prices that could be obtained in the fresh market, the firms seeks to improve its logistics and packing systems, as well as to introduce newer varieties with a longer shelf life and better quality to be able to satisfy consumers.
"We have established a standard: whenever producers surpass a yield of 3,000-8,000 kilos per hectare, they should have their own freezing and packing facilities. This allows for a better and more efficient handling of the stock," explains Sendón.
"We have projects to implement new cooling and packing systems for this region, which is the country's largest berry producer, and we are doing this through the berry Chamber that I preside. The Chamber's greatest project is the implementation of studies for the opening of a new sales centre in the city of Buenos Aires."
"At an international level, the market is dominated by Serbia and Poland, along with Chile in the Southern Hemisphere, with which we cannot compete as a result of internal costs and the general inflation, although this does not really affect us because we focus on the domestic market. In the Southern Hemisphere we try to take a leading position in terms of productive systems and commercial competitiveness at a domestic level, but in any case, we are open to contact for any business proposals," concludes Raúl Sendón.
For more information:
Frutos Norpatagonia
Argentina
Abdel Raúl Sendón
[email protected]
Cel: 299-4081897 (299-5181585) - inter: +54(9)
Skype: sendonar
