Flat stone fruit, a very versatile and convenient product, is here to stay, as demonstrated by current production and consumption data. In fact, only 1% of the registered flat nectarine acreage in 2021 existed prior to the year 2000, and the projected development of the flat nectarine segment will give a new boost, with the help of its flagship club label: Ondine.
"At Huerta Campo Jara, we had already been growing flat nectarines for many years; French varieties that had some issues with pistil closure. Despite this, the fruit still seemed very interesting to us, so when ASF launched the varieties that currently make up the Ondine club, we decided to join the group," says the Manager of the Aragonese company, Paco Jara.
"We started planting the first trees in 2021, and we have since been expanding the acreage every year, with the aim of reaching a total of 150 hectares in 2027 with a combination of flat nectarines and Paraguayo peaches, also from the Ondine range."
"In previous years, the market performance has been very positive and the prospects for 2024 are really good. Sales within the group are strong and the products have been very well-accepted by the clients who are selling them."
"Since we were one of the last to join the Ondine group and our plantations are young, we still have a limited production, but we are selling a very high share of our volume in Spain to the Eroski group, which is allowing our flat nectarines to reach the end consumers."
"By growing Ondine varieties, we have managed to obtain fruit with correct pistil closure and a great taste, which is what truly matters. Moreover, flat fruit is ideal to be consumed as a snack. It is very tasty, clean and very easy to eat. We could say that our flat nectarines and Paraguayo peaches have it all," says Paco.
"The Ondine range is already becoming very popular across Europe, especially in Germany, where a large share of Ondine's production is consumed at the moment. However, Ondine flat fruit is also very well known in the Netherlands, France, Italy and Spain."
"Companies from these three countries, France, Italy and Spain, belonging to the Ondine club are precisely the ones authorized to produce their flat nectarines and flat Paraguayo peaches in Western Europe. The group is managing to keep the growth of the acreage under control, so the Ondine fruit can remain a unique fruit, both for the grower and for the consumer."
For more information:
Huerta Campo Jara S.L.
Avda. Zaragoza, 21
50100 La Almunia de Doña Godina, Zaragoza. Spain
Tel.: +34 976 600 743
[email protected]
www.huertacampojara.com