Without leaving the European market, the persimmon must take on distant destinations and avoid the productions expected over the next few years from saturating the Old Continent.
Fruit Today analysed with Vicente Masiá, chairman of the National Persimmon Association, the main premises of the recently initiated campaign.
What are the persimmons like this year?
As was predicted, the persimmon campaign will grow in volume, although it is true that the fruit will be smaller in size this season, but there will be enough quality fruit to supply the European markets. Our production could be slightly over 300,000 tonnes.
What are the forecasts from the association for this year?
It is very early to be able to make an overall forecast for the campaign. We know that the crop has increased by 25%, which means reaching the abovementioned figure, but we still have a long way to go and new markets to conquer with a very attractive product. I think that the quality of the fruit is the most important point and the guarantee that it reaches our clients’ points of sale in prime conditions. We must also analyse the European context of other productions that coincide in time, such as for example the apple, pear or citrus fruit harvests. On this point, I think that the reduction in the pip fruit harvest and the smaller size of citrus fruit this year will be parameters that benefit us.
Small fruit and an increase in production, will these points condition the marketing?
We have enough sales turnover to supply the quality European markets. I know I am repeating myself, but the sector must look for and cover new markets, regardless of what the harvests are like. Exports to Europe have already been covered; we must go further away.
Is the Russian veto still affecting the sector?
We are all affected, either directly or indirectly because Russia purchased both high quality and standard produce. My calculations indicate that the Russian veto represents between 20% and 30%, although some people have said that it was not important. This is not true, because we exported between 6-8% directly to this market, but many goods that were exported to other markets ended up in Russia. Today, this situation is irreversible. If the Russian market were to open up again one day, it would be extraordinary for persimmons. I don’t think we should be defeatist: the veto was a political question and politics is often unpredictable.
What are the alternatives?
Asia, for example, and, more specifically, the Chinese market. It has been very interesting that a line has been opened up for stone fruit. The particularity is that China exports everywhere, but it is very restrictive with the protocols for produce to cross its borders. It should not be forgotten that China is the top persimmon producer, with over 3,700,000 tonnes. That is to say, it produces more persimmons than our citrus fruit production. But there is an advantage: they do not export, they are consumers and therefore they know the produce.
What are the main difficulties faced by the producing sector this year?
Pests. White fly has arrived virulently. On this point, we need the administration to help us by authorising the products we use and prevent problems when exporting produce.
