After a difficult September and October for cherimoyas due to a significant increase in the supply compared to the previous season and an excess of small and medium sizes, the sector is facing November with an upturn in demand and a more balanced supply.
"This year we have started the cherimoya season on August 25, significantly earlier than in the previous season and with an abundant production; around 25% more than last year, thanks to a better fruit set," says Rafael Manzano, manager of the Granada-based company Frutas Manzano.
"There has generally been a lack of large sizes and a greater availability of medium and small calibers, so prices have fallen by 35 to 40 cents on average compared to last year. Large calibers have been more expensive because of the limited supply," he says.
"At this time, with the arrival of cold weather, the demand is picking up. This usually happens in early November, after All Saints' Day, and the supply is balancing out," says Manzano. "As we get closer to the Christmas season, prices will shoot up."
Frutas Manzano mainly sells cherimoyas to the domestic market, but it also exports to Portugal, Italy, and, to a lesser extent, France and Germany, among others, during the approximately nine months that the season lasts, taking the crop's two flowering periods into account.
The company's avocado season has recently started in Granada and Malaga, with higher volumes expected this year.
"At the moment, we are harvesting and marketing the Bacon variety. As with the cherimoyas, sizes are smaller due to the lack of rainfall and high temperatures, which have also taken a toll on quality. Prices are under pressure due to competition from the Israeli Ettinger avocado, which is sold quite cheaply in European markets," says Manzano.
The Hass avocado harvest will not start until the beginning of December. In the meantime, Frutas Manzano is working with the last batches of Hass avocados from Peru and starting with the fruit from Colombia and Chile.
For more information:
Alberto Casanova
Frutas Rafael Manzano e Hijos S.L.
Pol. Ind. "La Gasolinera", 43-44
Salobreña, Granada. Salobreña, Granada. Spain.
Tel.: +34 958612597
Tel.: +34 678543331
[email protected]
www.frutasmanzano.com
