Prudencio López, Manager at Natural Tropic, expects a sub-tropical fruit campaign marked by stability. “The figures will be very similar to last year’s in mangos, with one and a half million kilos; and in avocados we expect an 8% growth. We are also maintaining stability in the processing line with our guacamole. With regard to invoicing, we expect to grow by 8%.” Amongst the company’s new developments, the start up of new machinery that allows fruit sorting and classification according to the desired point of ripeness and colouring stands out.
In another area, they are strengthening their commitment to diversification through the pistachio nut line started three years ago, and the start up of their new installations in Baza (Granada).
Water for growth
In mangos, the water shortage and problems in the flowering phase have compromised the setting of the fruit, decreasing the volumes. In addition, the pressure from other sources, with low prices, is pushing the prices of Spanish national produce down. However, the Manager at Natural Tropic recalls that European consumers show preference for Spanish mangos, and he forecasts a good sales campaign.
On an operational scale, the water shortage continues to reduce the sector’s activity in La Axarquía. “We need a desalination plant. Until this is carried out, we will only have enough to maintain the crops, but we will not be able to produce as we should, and we will also not be able to grow.” López repeats the need for the local governments to carry out the pending projects to provide desalinated and regenerated water to a sector that employs thousands of people in Malaga and Costa de Granada.
Pistachio: the new plant and small formats
The new pistachio installations in Baza will be ready in October. Last year they started marketing produce, and this year they will increase the volumes until reaching 400 tonnes including their own production and that of associate farmers from Andalusia and Castilla-La Mancha.
López is placing his trust in the projection of this crop and has planned a 5-year growth strategy. This year, 2024, they are taking the next step, following the start up of the plant in Granada and the installation of new processing machinery, which will allow them to market smaller formats. Their goal is to become “specialists in pistachio”, as they already are in sub-tropical fruit, and reach the volumes necessary to supply clients all year round.
