Looije Águilas, one of the founding partners of the Looije Producers’ Organisation, has now implemented the second phase of its project to build cutting-edge greenhouses
“This year’s event has been that of reencountering, but also of recognition.” Looije returns to Fruit Attraction participating in initiatives such as the ‘Stories behind Fruit Attraction’ podcast, the ‘Accounts of Surmounting Difficulties,” in which they are on the short list with the radio play De vacaciones y salvavidas (Of Holidays and Lifesavers), a tribute to the career of Vincent Looije, Juan Antonio Méndez and Sebastián Picón, producers belonging to the Looije Producers’ Organisation. And with a stand where Sarita, a cherry tomato brand whose taste is nationally and internationally renowned, will once again feature prominently as in other years, in a comfortable, safe space that complies with all the necessary regulations.
The company’s most urgent goals for this new year include “guaranteeing excellent produce every day. Not only during the season, since we don’t work on a campaign basis, but rather 365 days a year,” declares Juan José López, director general of the Looije PO. Moreover, at the corporate level, they are working on the admission of new producers to the OPFH, and on the industrialisation and constant improvement of all their facilities. Not in vain, Looije Águilas (one of the Looije PO’s founding partners) has already started to implement the second phase of the project for building cutting-edge greenhouses on its estate in Águilas municipal district, resulting in a noticeable increase in productivity. “We expect construction to begin at the end of the year and to enjoy the first fruits in mid-2022.”
“In our case, we’re proud to see that our work and decisive commitment to quality and innovation are being rewarded by the consumer,” comments the Looije PO’s general director, in relation to improvements in the entire production process thanks to the investments in high technology in recent years.
After the investments made, and the marketing campaigns centred on Sarita, Looije’s position in the national and international “tomato” segment is that of “specialist of the specialty,” Juan José López explains. “The consumer and, by extension, our clients, will find in Sarita a product marked by taste; and in Looije, a company that guarantees its quality throughout the year.”
The company ended 2020 with 14% growth despite the difficulties and expects to continue growing up to the end of 2021. They are currently present in a dozen European countries, and continue to gain market share with access to new markets, such as Portugal, and increased demand in Croatia or the United Arab Emirates (specifically, Dubai). “We believe that this is the best indication that Sarita is a product that is worth committing to.”
CSR
Recent months have involved a series of praiseworthy actions on the part of Looije, in favour of individuals, the environment and corporate social responsibility. This is the case of donations of produce during vaccination processes or its candidacy for the 2021 Best!N Food awards in the “Best Sustainability” category, thanks to packaging made with recycled plastic retrieved from ocean coastlines.
