Already at the peak of Murcia's plum campaign, which started in late May this year, it can already be said that this year's results are positive in terms of volumes and quality thanks to a good settling, as well as better prices than last year, reaching a maximum of 2.25 Euro per kilo for the Red Beauty variety, which is the earliest in their portfolio. According to Santiago Vázquez, director of the La Vega de Cieza cooperative, "it is a very speculative campaign."
This year's protagonist has certainly been the general shortages of plums as a result of lower production volumes in other regions. The harvest in countries such as Germany or Italy has been relatively smaller than last year, as well as that in Spanish regions like Extremadura. All this has led to operators being able to position themselves well as far as prices go, resulting in a strong market."
Santiago Vázquez and the production team of La Vega de Cieza
"At the moment, we are selling the Angeleno variety, which reaches an average of 14 degrees Brix, and which we will still be able to supply in fresh condition for another month. We, however, believe that the campaign can be extended until December through preservation to be able to supply our main clients."
Founded in the year 1993, the Murcian cooperative La Vega de Cieza produces and sells 100% of its stone fruit and citrus; products which are mainly exported to Europe and sold under the brand FRUIT APPETITE, as well as those of its respective clients.
"Our sales goals are set in Europe, seeking to cover the needs of our customers while also supplying the main supermarket chains."
The citrus campaign will begin shortly, for which there are "good prospects beforehand," affirms Santiago Vázquez. "We collaborate with El Limonar de Santomera, which complements us during the Winter, and we work hand in hand as if we all were in the same company."
This will be the fifth year that La Vega de Cieza S.C.A. will have a stand at Madrid's Fruit Attraction, "a fair which has seen a strong growth in the number of visitors. Every time the fair is around the corner our workload increases!" comments Santiago. "Without a doubt, it is a very important meeting point for us and our clients, and it also helps us in the preparations for the next citrus campaign."
This will be the fifth year that La Vega de Cieza S.C.A. will have a stand at Madrid's Fruit Attraction, "a fair which has seen a strong growth in the number of visitors. Every time the fair is around the corner our workload increases!" comments Santiago. "Without a doubt, it is a very important meeting point for us and our clients, and it also helps us in the preparations for the next citrus campaign."
More information:
Santiago Vázquez (Director)
La Vega de Cieza, S.C.A
T:+34 968455779
[email protected]
www.vegacieza.com
