"To grow 'calçots' we plant some bulbs similar to those of white onion. Once planted, the bulb has to be gradually covered with soil as the plant grows so that they stay white," explains Ramón Llanes.
Traditionally, it is a typical food item of Catalonia, although for years its consumption has been expanding in Spain, and partly also in the UK, due to the large community of Spaniards who live and work in that country.
The good sales of 'calçot' onions have stood out in a difficult onion campaign, with abundant supply and falling prices.
According to Ramón Llanes, the yield per hectare in Spain is being exceptionally good, as well as the quality of the onion. "For mid-cycle and late onions, the weather has been favourable, without much pressure from mildew or high temperatures."
"This has resulted in high yields per hectare and large bulbs, which is already translating into low prices, which are expected to continue falling if the demand from overseas is not extraordinary," he points out.
As for white and red onions, Ramón Llanes warns that "lower prices are expected compared to the previous campaign, but it is still early to make a definitive forecast."
"For sweet onions, prices are higher, but these do not translate into higher profits, since the costs of production, processing and packaging are much higher, since the market is much more demanding and the losses more pronounced. Given that it is a smaller market, imports make the profitability more volatile if the company produces and packages," points out the producer and exporter.
More information:
Ramón Llanes
Cebes Morano S.L.
Camí de Bellpuig s/n,
Castellnou de Seana 25265. Spain
Tel.:+34 973 32 10 30
info@cebesmorano.com
ramon@cebesmorano.com
www.cebesmorano.com