The strength of TROPS means that in complicated years, such as the present one, it can continue supplying its clients with its usual quality. The first Transnational OP in Andalusia is “growing significantly – we cannot complain,” the General Manager Enrique Colilles affirms. On the 12th of September it acquired some premises for the next opening of TROPS in Campo de Gibraltar. In addition to the head offices in Vélez-Málaga, they have three warehouses in Granada, one in Alicante where they collaborate with Ruchey, and another in Coín, along with the installations in Portugal, which they plan to extend. They are also increasing their volumes in the Valencian Community thanks to the alliance with the cooperative Ruchey, which “is going very well.”
The strategy for extending horizons is not new, but it is intensifying in the search for areas where water shortages are not a problem. “Fortunately, there are already avocados in many parts of Spain. The different zones compensate for each other.”
While waiting for the long-awaited rainfall, la Axarquía is facing up to an important reduction in volumes, following last year’s trend. “In mango there is 70-80% less fruit due to the water shortage in the main valley. The quality and calibre are very good, but there are few kilos and the campaign is ahead of schedule. It will end a month early, with low production.” Regarding avocados, “in 2022 there was 65% less than in a normal year and this year it will be reduced by 50% compared to an average year, with +15-20% – slightly more than in 2022.”
During the Spanish campaign, they concentrate exclusively on Spanish-grown produce, supplying their clients with the guarantee of quality laid out by their TROPS brand. “If our mango is more delicious, the market will value it with a difference in price and, in fact, it does so. We have no problems on this subject. Our farmers have a good project and even though they are not yet reaching the reasonable prices that they expected for the quality they produce, they are completely committed.”
This qualitative commitment allows for satisfied clients and consumers and fair prices at source in complicated times. “In 2022 there were fewer mangos, but with good quality. And although the prices for our farmers were tighter, we got through the campaign reasonably well, taking into account the reduction in calibres.” In avocados, there were 50% less, in line with other sources. “This generated higher prices than normal on the markets, but they did not compensate for the drop in production. For the farmers, it was not a good campaign.”
100% Frumaco
TROPS returns to Fruit Attraction (10E02) with an important new development. It now owns 100% of the shares in Frumaco. “Guacamole is now 100% managed by TROPS. Now everything will have our brand on it.”
Another recent development has been its participation as the main sponsor at the 13th International Mango Symposium, during which a visit to its head offices was organised. “Although Spain is not on the normal mango circuits, as it doesn’t have large volumes on a worldwide scale, we are highly evolved, technologically speaking.”
A future linked to water
Water shortage is the main threat to the sector. Looking to the future, TROPS, along with the UMA, is promoting a desalination plant that is self-sufficient energy-wise, but it will take years to materialise due to all the red tape involved. “We hope that we can fall back on regenerated water in the meantime.”
One thing that is moving forward is the Interprofessional Association. “Over the next few days, we expect to Ministry to inform us about its recognition,” which will be essential for counteracting hoaxes.”
