According to Manuel, prices in the current citrus campaign are still averaging similar levels to last season's, although there is also growing pressure in overseas destinations as a result of increased shipments since the introduction of the Russian veto, which has also led to a greater pressure on prices in Europe.
"In the UAE and Asian markets we have to compete with aggressive pricing from Egypt for oranges and Turkey for lemons," states Manuel. However, he points out that in these markets, demanding in terms of quality, "we continue to maintain higher prices than in Europe thanks to the sustained quality of our shipments and the good work of the company's quality control team."
To keep good prices in the overseas markets, Manuel points to differentiation with the consolidation of a quality brand. Alquimia Fruits achieves this with the work carried out at its offices in Valencia, Barcelona and Buenos Aires, as a result of which it is possible to supply citrus all year round and to strengthen business relationships with its customers. "This has really helped us in gaining market share with our brand ONYX and in obtaining a premium price that strengthens the entire production chain," he affirms.
Alquimia has created a new cardboard box design with lid for the ONYX brand, which has helped in differentiating the product in shipments to third countries. "The first reactions are still very positive and are helping enhance the product's value," continues Manuel.
In Manuel's words, "our brand ONYX has a strong presence overseas since its introduction in 2012 and we want to continue boosting its presence in other destinations. We have already tripled the annual volume of containers shipped around the world."
Besides citrus, the company currently exports a wide portfolio of products, including kakis, stone and pome fruit, onions, carrots, broccoli, etc. In Argentina, it is shipping the last cherry batches of the season to Asia, and it will soon start exporting its first Satsuma mandarins, continuing with the full range of clementines, with the Nova and W. Murcott as its flagship varieties.
For more information:
Manuel Baides
Alquimia Fruits S.L. Valencia.
Avda Vicente Ferris nº 9 pta 2,
46650 Canals - Valencia, Spain.
T: +34-962242054
M: +34-636623155
Skype: alquimiafruits_compras
compras@alquimiafruits.com
www.alquimiafruits.com