"In the winter, Spain is Europe's vegetable garden, not so? There's competition, and things aren't getting any easier, but our advantage saves us: within two to three days, we can be in the Netherlands." Kees Havenaar of Frutas Luna and Patrick Konings of Marni Fruit emphasize the strong position of Spanish fruit and vegetables. These companies, both part of the Dutch Weyers Group, focus on fresh produce import and export.
Kees says European demand is currently weak, with falling prices. The recent rainfall in Almería had little impact on that. "Supply is only affected by prolonged cold, dark weather," he says. Water, however, remains a concern. In some areas, growers struggle with salt water, which affects cultivation. Still, Kees does not expect acreage shrinkage, but neither does he think acreage will expand in these regions.
Competition and quality
Competition from countries like Egypt and Turkey plays a role, but that poses plenty of opportunities, says Patrick. "Egyptian products don't meet Spanish products' quality, and customers will pay for better quality." Competition is fiercer in Turkey, where Dutch growers also operate, which sometimes leads to price pressure.
Frutas Luna and Marni Fruit focus on day trading and specific programs, like jalapeños and skinny peppers. Kees sees that younger growers want certainty, making contract growing more attractive. "We always, first, defend our product in cooperation with the growers," Patrick explains.
Efficient deliveries
Some products go directly from Spain to clients in, say, the United Kingdom and Scandinavia. Here, the companies work with their house brands, like Luna and King's, which are used exclusively with regular buyers to avoid overlap.
Growing under plastic
Cultivation in Spain is primarily done in plastic greenhouses. Multi-tunnels are gaining popularity among larger companies, while glasshouse investments are limited to growers with long-term retail contracts. Kees hopes for cold months. "When temperatures are low, supplies drop, which brings better prices in January," he concludes.
Kees Havenaar
Frutas Luna
Tel +34 950 178 653
[email protected]
www.frutasluna.com
Patrick Konings
Marni Fruit
Gebroken Meeldijk 52
2991 VD Barendrecht
Tel: +31 (0)180 697 989
[email protected]
www.marnifruit.com