Several consecutive nights of frosts in the southeast of Spain, in the Levante area, with temperatures as low as -10 degrees in some inland areas of Murcia, have caused a significant reduction in artichoke production.
Artichokes affected by frost.
"At the moment, it is very difficult to find good quality artichokes and prices are skyrocketing," says Francisco Mas, Sales Director of the Alicante-based company Frutas y Hortalizas Mas Serrano, which also specializes in pomegranates.
"We have had three consecutive nights of frosts both in Alicante and in the Region of Murcia, the main artichoke-producing areas. Some areas haven't been hit, but the intense cold has still considerably slowed down the production and this has led to a significant drop in the supply in recent days," says Francisco Mas.
White artichokes.
According to the grower and trader, prices have risen by between 50 and 60% since Monday. "There's a low supply of quality produce and, as is usually the case after the Christmas festivities, the demand is high. With such a sudden rise in prices, it is proving a little difficult to convey the reality of the field to many buyers," he says.
The artichoke season started in November for this Elche-based company, which this year has expanded its acreage by 8%. "We are planting artichokes in different parts of the Levante region to be able to harvest between November and May. We work with the white variety Green Queen, the purple varieties Opera and Capriccio, and the calico type Sambo, all from the seed company Nunhems."
Frutas y Hortalizas Mas Serrano sells its artichokes in Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium, with some small quantities going also to Denmark.
For more information:
Francisco Mas
Fruits and Vegetables Mas Serrano, SL.
Partida Daimes, P.l. 1 N.ยบ 96.
03294 Elche, Alicante. Spain.
Tel.: +34 965 45 70 63
[email protected]
www.masserrano.es