Frutas Escandell, one of the most traditional companies at the Mercabarna wholesale market, has completed the renovation of its three stalls in Pavilion D by prioritising a key element for the fruit and vegetable sector: cold. Rather than expanding the product display area, the company has decisively opted to convert two of its three stalls into fully refrigerated chambers. According to Aida Escandell—fourth generation at the helm of the company—this move responds to a clear strategy: “it is better to store the product inside the cold chamber than to display it outside, especially in summer and during sensitive campaigns such as strawberries.”
This commitment to preservation is no coincidence. In an increasingly warm climate and with longer campaigns, maintaining the cold chain is vital to avoid losses. “Oranges are fine, but with cherries, wild mushrooms or strawberries, if you break the cold chain, problems appear very quickly,” she explains.
The executive also reflects on recent campaigns, describing the winter as positive and highlighting the strong performance of the spring campaign, both in terms of volume and quality. Despite some rainfall in the south and in production areas of Valencia, the products—especially strawberries—“held up quite well.”
As for its product range, Escandell continues its traditional line, working with very loyal suppliers, particularly in strawberries, their main product. In summer, they market Fashion and Caparrós watermelons, as well as Líder melons and watermelons from Villaconejos.
