After last year's pilot experience, this is the first full season in which the Almerian company, Campojoyma, will export organic artichokes of the Green Queen variety, which is now part of its catalog of organic vegetables, fruits, and citrus fruits.
Organic artichoke production originated in Murcia, where temperatures have dropped sharply since mid-January and part of the crop has been damaged by frost and plant growth in the fields has stopped.
"It is clear that the cold is damaging the crops and reducing yields, but we were able to minimize the damage by advancing the harvest before the temperature dropped," stated Francisco Jesus Montoya, the manager of Campojoyma.
“We don't think there will be a plentiful supply in the coming weeks. This, however, won't affect our customers, as their supply is guaranteed. We have had weeks of more production and can supply them without problems. On the other hand, as the cold reduces the supply, it is normal for prices to increase,” he added.
Campojoyma obtains the artichokes from the Medifruver cooperative from Murcia, for whom it also exports broccoli. In this agreement, as usual, the cooperative of Murcia incorporates the technical system and the production philosophy of the company of Almeria.
The main destination for the artichoke is France, where it is a highly valued product. Campojoyma expects to market more than 100,000 units this season. The harvest started in October and continues until the month of April. "We put the artichokes in wooden boxes to present to add value to them and arouse the interest of supermarket chains," the manager stated.
"In addition to France, Italy also purchases many of our organic artichokes. In these two markets, we want to differentiate ourselves thanks to our commitment to the sustainability of our crops. Our production is certified as organic, and we adopt different measures that turn our farms into authentic ecosystems. In addition, we understand ESG sustainability, i.e. the consideration of environmental, social, and good management criteria,” he stated.
"We are leaders in the cultivation of organic vegetables in Spain and in order to continue to grow, we fully rely on innovation and are developing a strategy of product diversification. Artichoke is a special and interesting vegetable, which is doing very well for us thanks to our positioning in the distribution channels of the organic sector in Europe."
For more information:
Francisco Jesús Montoya 
Campojoyma
Avda. Las Negras, 200
Campohermoso, 04110, Níjar, Almería
+34 950 386 590
[email protected]
www.campojoyma.com