According to the executive, “the excessive heat has affected the size and color of red grapes, reducing yields per hectare and forcing part of the sector to use cold storage to balance supply.”
Adding to this situation is increasingly strong competition from Egypt and Italy, whose calendars are extending and overlapping with the traditional dates of Murcian production.
Consumption continues to rise
“A couple of millimeters in berry size make the difference in final yields, and this summer has been tough for red grapes,” acknowledges Antonio Caballero. Even so, consumption is playing in their favor: grapes continue to gain ground in European and Spanish households, with children leading the way. “Kids are driving demand, and nowadays few families leave the supermarket without a tray of grapes,” Caballero notes.
Markets
Frutas Torero maintains a strong presence in Europe, with Germany and England as key destinations, and continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability both in the field and in the warehouse.
However, the Abarán-based company is well aware of the need to diversify destinations, and Asian markets represent a good opportunity. This is reflected in its repeated participation at Asia Fruit Logistica over the last decade. Although it does not account for the bulk of sales, the company has opened markets in Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and some African countries.
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Meanwhile, the company’s current business strategy is to moderate growth and consolidate loyal customers, while waiting for demand to pick up in September and allow the season to stretch well into November.
At the same time, the company has continued investing in both stone fruit and grapes, with nearly 60 new hectares planted in the last two years. This diversification ensures balance and stability for the future and confirms its dual specialization.
