With the arrivals of the first nectarines and peaches from greenhouses, the Spanish stonefruit season has begun again. Spanish private producer Frutaria is preparing for the season. "Nectarines and peaches from the greenhouse are simply too expensive," thinks Dutchman Gert Bouman, who for more than 25 years has worked at Frutaria, the only stonefruit exporter able to supply its own production from late April until September. The company is facing the challenge of selling 7 million kilos of stonefruit during the month of May, mainly peaches and nectarines, but also apricots and cherries.
"We're expecting the harvest to start around April 25, more than a week later than last year. At the moment, we are busy visiting our plantations, and we're expecting a very good harvest," Gert says. "A lot is being done to offer new and better varieties. The volumes are comparable to last year. The quality of the stonefruit is looking good. We're looking forward to the season with a lot of optimism."
Frutaria mainly focuses on Europe with its stonefruit, of which Germany, France, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia are the most important buyers. "We hope that the European markets will be ready again for the first European peaches and nectarines. A lot depends on the weather conditions at our export destinations," Gert says.
Frutaria also grows physalis now in Seville. This product is available from May until November, and is offered in various packagings.
For more information:
Gert Bouman
Frutaria
T: (+34) 661 252 509
M: (+34) 659-755160
gbouman@frutaria.com
www.frutaria.com