The first part of the clementine season is now over and there is starting to be some Sando supply to ensure continuity in those markets that are looking for sweet and juicy varieties. The lower supply of clementines and mandarins in the second part of the season suggests that prices will remain stable.
"We delivered the last Clemenules in late December, and on January 6 we started selling the first Sando clementines with leaves, which are arriving in very good sizes this year," says Juan José Minguet, manager of Frutas Minguet, located in the municipality of Xilxes, in the Spanish province of Castellon.
"This variety is highly appreciated in countries such as France, and increasingly so in Germany. Clients in the premium market looking to continue selling sweet clementines with the traditional flavor of a good clementine, a great color, lots of juice and easy to peel, don't hesitate to opt for Sando as soon as it's available," says Minguet. "In the demanding clementine markets, interest in the Sando is growing, and the truth is that every year more and more marketing companies want to work with this variety," he says.
Although there have been some difficult moments in the field at the end of the season for the Oronules and Clemenules due to excessive rainfall, marketing has remained stable and with fairly homogeneous prices, according to Minguet. "There is usually a little more uncertainty at this time of year in terms of sales, but this season is looking very good for the Sando."
The company specializes in both the production and marketing of clementines with leaves, as well as melon and watermelon in the summer months. Around 70% of its products go to brand-oriented wholesale markets, while approximately 30% goes to supermarket chains focused on premium products. Its main clients are mainly located in Catalonia and France, and increasingly in Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
"We are not looking to compete in terms of volume, but to supply a premium product, something which takes a lot of dedication and manual labor both in the field and in the warehouse," says Juan José Minguet.
The company will continue to work with the Sando until mid-February and then move on to the Orri without leaves, as well as the Tango and Nadorcott with leaves. "The Orri is actually the 'jewel in the crown'. It is the most highly appreciated in the market throughout the year, especially the 1X caliber, and this makes a very significant difference in terms of value", says the grower and marketer.
"A lower production is expected in this second part of the season compared to the previous campaign, especially in Andalusia, where volumes will drop by around 30%. Although this won't necessarily be positive for the growers, prices will probably remain more constant," says Juan José Minguet.
For more information:
Frutas Minguet
Calle Valencia, 40
12592 - Xilxes, Castellon. Spain
Tel.: +34 964 58 30 72
[email protected]
www.frutasminguet.com