Although the Portuguese walnut season started out with some challenges, it’s been a good season overall, says Sebastião Lorena, head of sales and marketing at Portuguese walnut exporter Nogam: “The price pressure felt on the market did not anticipate a good year for the Portuguese walnuts. In addition, the weather did not help to overcome the price imposed by the market, as high temperatures early in the season left some overdried walnuts and the early rain caused some difficulties during the harvest and some unwanted fungi. Despite of this, it turned out to be a good year for Nogam, thanks to an increase in production, the opening of new markets and sales channels and consolidation of our position as a high standard walnut producer in Europe.”
As volumes have increased quite a bit, Lorena feels they’ve done very well in selling the products. The fact they entered some new markets certainly helped a bit. “We export about 75% of our production and this year, with a significant increase in volumes, we were able to open new markets, such as Morocco and Turkey. Building a client network based on consistency, quality and good practices opens new business opportunities and guarantees satisfied clients.”
Demand for walnuts is usually very high when Christmas is near, and this year was no different. With the holidays around the corner, things are finally slowing down for Nogum, Lorena explains: “The Christmas walnut demand is almost over. However, we have observed an increase in concern and moderation from our clients and the market. A higher number of orders, but less quantity when compared to previous years. Fortunately, a large part of the stock has already been sold. The remaining amount has to do with previous commitments that are expected to be fulfilled by Easter.”
“More than ever before we feel that our clients and market players value the proximity of the product, the freshness and quality guaranteed by a sustainable crop. By offering high quality products and services, delivering fresh walnuts all year round and guaranteeing sustainable and responsible standards, we can differentiate ourselves from the market and our clients appreciate it,” Lorena concludes.
For more information:
Sebastião Lorena
Nogam
Tel: +351 266 096 401
Mobile: +351 917 335 453
Email: [email protected]
www.nogam.pt