The pumpkin campaign is underway and going well, with Spain for another year as the leading exporter in Europe. In 2021, in fact, according to the most recent figures, it led this segment at a great distance from the second largest competitor, the Netherlands, having marketed more than half a million tons abroad. "At the moment, prices are good and there's enough demand for the product. We at SAT Agrollanos have been planting butternut squash for 4 or 5 years and marketing them in bulk, and this year we have finally started to sell them under our brand De la Tierra," said Raúl Arroyo. "Less produce has been planted this year, so at this time there is a lower supply of vegetables in general, making it easier for the brand to find a place in the market."
"At Agrollanos, we are specialized in the production of melon and watermelon, but pumpkin is a product we can work with easily in the winter in La Macha. In terms of cultivation dates, it combines very well with melons and watermelons, and it is also ideal for land rotation, since it is a vigorous plant with a good resistance to diseases. Pumpkins are also easy to store -although you need the facilities- and consumption is increasingly on the rise."
In fact, the lower quantity of pumpkins available this season in Europe and the demand have caused the current price to range between 80 and 85 cents per kilo for the packaged product and 65-70 cents per kilo in bulk. "This year has been unusual in terms of prices. And that is precisely why the forecast this year is that more will be planted in the area of Ciudad Real; more pumpkins and also more watermelons, at the expense of the area devoted to melon production, which is reduced a little every year."
In general, butternut squash will once again be the most popular variety among La Mancha producers, especially among Agrollanos partners. "This is the most consumed variety in Europe and it is increasingly demanded in Spain, both for fresh consumption and for pre-prepared convenience food. In previous years, we have used the thickest sizes for the industry.
"However, this campaign, given
the prices we are seeing, all our produce is being sold for fresh consumption. "In fact, given the lack of produce on the market, many buyers have shown their willingness to purchase the product we still have available in bulk, but at Agrollanos we are making one thing clear: we will continue to work with the customers who trusted our brand from the beginning and who rely on us."
For more information:
SAT Agrollanos
C/ Luis Mingo s/n
13220 Los Llanos del C., Ciudad Real. Spain
Tel.: +34 926 644 188
[email protected]
www.satagrollanos.com