Rain has been a determining factor in the start of this year's white asparagus season on the banks of the Ebro in Spain, causing it to be slightly delayed compared to previous years. "In our case, we started the season with the first harvests around 20 days ago, but we have been lucky, because in 95% of the area corresponding to the PGI Espárrago de Navarra the harvest is only starting now because of the rainfall," says Jorge Sofín, from the Aragonese company Espárragos de Novillas.
"We were lucky enough to be able to get the land and the asparagus plants ready before the rain prevented us from doing so, and these 20 days that we are ahead of the rest have been very good for us when it comes to marketing our asparagus."
"This season looks set to be similar to the previous one in terms of production, with fairly good sizes which will improve as the campaign progresses. This is very positive, as in the fresh market, the product's size is one of the most important factors and one of the most appreciated by clients and restaurants."
"As far as the demand is concerned, things are again going quite well this year. When it comes to fresh produce, Easter is usually a difficult period because many stores are closed for a few days, and with the economy not doing well enough, it's quite difficult to sell asparagus at the price we would like. Nonetheless, we are quite happy with how we are doing, and this year, we should once again be able to get the right price for our high-quality product, regardless of the pricing strategy of large retailers."
Espárrago de Novillas sells its produce in Spain, "to greengrocers and fine dining restaurants, several of them with Michelin stars; however, every year, at the beginning of the season, we receive calls from many people interested in importing our asparagus, as there's a more than interesting demand in Europe."
It's worth recalling that Germany is the largest importer of asparagus in the EU-27 and is also a significant consumer of this vegetable. "We are a family company and, so far, we have limited ourselves to supplying the Spanish market, although we are growing every year and we don't rule out exporting in the future," says Jorge.
"We grow the varieties Grolim and Herkolim, which allow us to harvest asparagus of very good size and quality throughout the season, and we also have two brands, Reyno Gourmet and Aragon Alimentos Nobles. Thus, the high quality of our produce is accredited and we are starting off with good prospects. This year, we have started earlier than other producers, although in general, the start has been delayed, so we might be able to extend our production period until June."
For more information:
Espárragos de Novillas
C/ Francisco de Goya 24, CP50530 Novillas, Zaragoza. Spain
Tel.: +34 676 257 389
[email protected]
https://esparragodenovillas.com/