"France is a major consumer of figs"

Nueva Vista, based at the Rungis market, has launched its campaign of figs imported from Peru, Argentina and Brazil. William Burunat, manager of Nueva Vista, talks about French consumption and the upcoming season for this flagship product.

© Nueva Vista

"It is a sensitive product that requires specialization and care"
As with avocados and pomegranates, Nueva Vista offers figs all year round. "It is a sensitive product that requires specialization and particular care." In order to supply the market throughout the year, the company offers a range of different origins (Peru, Brazil, Argentina, AFS, Chile, Spain). Peru (Black Mission and Toro Sentado varieties) and Argentina (Brown Turkey variety) account for the bulk of its volumes at the end of the year. The Peruvian campaign, which began less than a month ago, should end in February or March. "Unlike last year, this year's production is more oriented towards larger sizes, which is interesting because they are particularly sought after by the French market."

© Nueva Vista

"The French are big consumers of figs"
"France is a producer country, and the French are major consumers of figs," explains William Burunat. The seasonal nature of domestic production means that we cannot meet the high demand during the month of December, so long-distance imports are the only alternative in terms of both quality and quantity. "The end-of-year festivities, which see large volumes exported to France, are the real high point of the campaign, since figs are widely consumed in France, along with foie gras. This is a very important consumption period."

© Nueva Vista

"The Turkish campaign is now over, the French campaign is about to end and the market is currently very dynamic. We are currently preparing our supply programs for the festive season, and hoping we will not be overly affected by air freight rates, which are already very high..."

Nueva Vista sold more than 30 tons of figs during the 2023 festive season, and the aim for 2024 is to double the volumes.