Fruit Today magazine had the opportunity to speak with Pedro Sánchez, the cooperative’s General Manager, who highlighted the growing importance of the Orri mandarin this year.
What is the cooperative’s strategy at this point (early January)?
We have decided to focus on the citrus fruits of the second half of the campaign. We are currently working with varieties like Tango and Nadorcott, and we have significant expectations for the Orri mandarin, forecasting a volume between 1.6 and 2 million kilos. This product has gained special importance this year because some Scandinavian countries have reduced their purchases of Israeli Orri mandarins due to the ongoing conflict, creating a window of opportunity for Spanish production.
What other citrus fruits stand out during this phase?
In addition to mandarins like Goldnugget, Murcott, and Ortaniques, we are also working with grapefruits. Our production runs from late October to April, spanning farms in Valencia and Almería, enabling us to maintain a continuous supply throughout the campaign.
Although citrus and persimmons are the main focus, the cooperative also works with other crops to stay operational 11 months a year. What can you highlight in this regard?
Yes, we also produce stone fruit, focusing on extra-early plums, flat peaches, and nectarines. These varieties complement our calendar, particularly during June and July.
Additionally, we are planning watermelon plantations for the upcoming summer, with a projected 10 million kilos. Notably, our watermelons are marketed under the Bouquet brand from Anecoop, which enhances their quality and recognition in the market.
In such an atypical year as 2024, what could be the balance in figures?
Last year, we commercialized 75 million kilos of produce in total. This year, due to the losses caused by the DANA, we estimate a total of 65 million kilos. Although this represents a decline, we are working to minimize the impact and maintain consistent production across all categories.
The DANA caused significant losses, especially in persimmons, where a 30% drop was recorded in the Ribera del Júcar. In citrus, losses were around 20%.
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Regarding infrastructure, while our facilities were not directly affected, the main damage occurred in agricultural areas. We are collaborating with TRAGSA to restore affected plots and ensure they become productive again. This process involves clearing gravel, reeds, and other debris brought by the rain, but the pace of recovery has been slow.
How has the response from European customers been regarding commercialization?
The response has been very positive. We have managed to maintain the supply and quality expected by our clients, even under challenging conditions. We have demonstrated the strength of our team, despite being personally affected by the tragedy.
What are your plans for participation in the upcoming Berlin trade fair?
Berlin is a key event. Although the dates are not ideal for us, we will use the opportunity to analyze the past season and prepare for upcoming ones, including stone fruit and watermelon. We will work on strengthening our relationships with strategic European clients.
