What is your valuation of the first month of the harvest?
In Galas, we will have 12% more in volume than last year, when there was a shortage of produce. This means that we still haven’t recovered our previous production potential. We have the number of pieces, but with slightly smaller calibres, and therefore, the forecasted number of kilos won’t be reached.
Regarding Golden, at the midpoint of the harvest, I think that we will have a normal harvest, at the same level as last year, with around nine million kilos.
In spite of everything, the sugar levels and the hardness of the produce are the same as in previous years, meaning that the quality is guaranteed. With respect to the market prices, they are very similar to last year’s and we hope that, as the months go by and there is a reduction in the amount of produce, we will be able to increase them.
Two new varieties for you are Tessa and H-84. The latter coming from research of the IRTA along with Fruit Futur, of which you are founding members, how is it developing?
The forecasts with Tessa are around 600 tonnes. Last year, it was a variety that sold very well, although at present we still only have 30 hectares, and we continue studying its behaviour to continue with the investments. Regarding H-84, this year is its first commercial campaign, with volumes that are still small.
Gerona has become one of the regions with the highest specialisation and with constant investments in the sector. What stands out most from your organisation?
During the last campaign we opened some new cooling rooms with a capacity for around six and a half million kilos. This year we have developed investments in the fields, and we continue increasing the solar panels in the preparation facilities. We have defined a significant enlargement of the central installations on land adjacent to the current building, but it is a project that will come into being in around two years’ time. This will be absolutely essential for us to continue with our expansion in the large distribution area.
Are you worried about the drop in consumption?
In general, I am, but our clients haven’t been affected. I think, that in the end, the question consists of selecting quality produce. Quality will always sell. The problems start when there is no quality and this causes problems in the sales and, above all, in customer loyalty.
