Good programming, in a season characterised by shortages, has been crucial for having produce available right up to the new campaign
At the end of July, Fructícola Empordà was still able to serve Golden and Granny Smith apples, something that not all operators could do.
“This campaign, more than ever before, needed very good planning and selling only what had to be sold, without looking for new customers, although this meant new business opportunities. We considered it essential not to let our regular customers down,” according to Miquel Roig, an executive from the company.
Currently, some supermarkets are in a critical situation due to the shortage of apples and Europe has had to resort to counterseason imports from South Africa, Chile or New Zealand.
Regarding the season that has just started, Roig is showing his optimism since “the circumstances are very favourable at the outset of the campaign,” and he expects that “at the very least, the situation experienced will help recognise the quality of the apples in our region.” Although “things might go back to normal and once again we may be under pressure and be invaded by Italian apples,” the executive comments.
The company, which will close the year with around 18,000 tonnes marketed, will double its volume of Royal Gala this campaign due to the new plantations coming online and also because the trees are very heavy with fruit. Between 5,000 and 6,000 tonnes of this variety are expected.
However, a few more campaigns must go by before the new Fuji orchards can be harvested.
The planting of around 6 hectares of ecological production stands out as a new development, with Red, Royal Gala and Golden apples.
In the technological area, the firm is one the most cutting-edge companies in the sector, since it has dynamic atmosphere storerooms and it has implanted an ACR breathing control system that regulates oxygen levels in the rooms by monitoring the respiration of the fruit.
