Although fruit harvesting robots are continuing to take gigantic leaps forward, they have yet to become a reality. However, in the preparation centres, this aspect is already highly advanced.
The cooperative from Ullà (Girona) is one of the pioneers in taking this step, and next May it will install its first automated line, which will be launched with Gala apples in August.
Within this technological development being carried out by the company, the most recent investment stands out: the automation of the tray machine. “We believe that the only way to grow is to move towards the automation of all the processes,” Alex Creixell, the Manager of the company, indicates.
In the production area, the company has opted for different club varieties, in addition to the already well-known Pink Lady®. The Joya® variety will reach one million kilos next year. Candine® from Frutaria has been the most recent club incorporation, with a harvest that has reached 100,000 kilos this year.
Candine® means an important commitment because it is very similar to Fuji, but without the agronomical problems that this variety suffers from. It is a variety that is resistant to apple scab disease and it has a very sweet flavour.
Regarding the development of the campaign, Creixell explains that “organised distribution has accepted a slight rise in prices, but this does not compensate for the important increase in costs that we have had to deal with.”
In market terms, the executive affirms that this year export will have less importance in the company’s general calculation and these estimates involve 10% of the overall volume, which has reached around 29 million kilos. Sales outside the Spanish market have gone to the Persian Gulf, Israel, England and the southern hemisphere.
In terms of sustainability, the biological control of 100% of its farms has already been a reality for oriental fruit moths and Codling moths for several years now. All of this has been completed with an irrigation system that minimises water use per tree. And inside the preparation centre, the produce is increasingly being prepared using materials that are alternatives to plastic. “This is due to social demand and, of course, to the large distribution and we must accept these changes if we want to move towards a more sustainable world. Additionally, some apples, such as the Pink Lady® or ecological produce do not admit any other type of packaging,” Creixell comments.
