Last year, Paul van Groningen began working as an independent commercial agent in Spain alongside his wife, Maria Elena. Last week, he visited growers and packing stations in the Almeria and Granada regions to get an overview of the new greenhouse vegetable season. "Last week, the packing stations were still relatively empty, except for a few cucumbers, a few zucchinis, and some Irvin and Osteen mangoes. However, supply is starting to pick up this week."
"There are more cucumbers available now, and there are also more zucchinis, while eggplants have started coming in as well. The supply of bell peppers is still limited, but it's starting to pick up. However, many growers have yet to begin and expect to start their pepper harvest only toward the end of October or mid-November," Paul explains. "This is partly a deliberate choice to extend the season, but it's also a necessary decision due to water quality at the time of planting. In certain regions, the water quality was too low for peppers, so it had to come from desalination machines. Those growers planted later and, as a result, will also begin production later."
Paul and his wife Maria Elena
The overall impression that Paul received was that there are slightly more hectares of cucumbers planted compared to last year, and fewer aubergines, while the areas for peppers and zucchinis have remained relatively stable, with an increase in the number of point peppers. "The area for tomatoes and cherry tomatoes has decreased again, primarily due to the competition that growers are facing from Morocco. I have started with cucumbers, zucchini, and a few peppers for a select client. Many customers are still mainly focused on Dutch products. I expect that after the fair in Madrid, more will make the switch."
"By that time, the grower I collaborate with will also start harvesting the Spanish Keitt mangoes. These mangoes are beautifully ripe, and flavorful, and serve as a good alternative to air-freighted mangoes from mid-October to mid/late November. We hope to have many fruitful and enjoyable conversations with growers and customers at the fair," concludes Paul.
For more information:
Paul van Groningen
Hudepa
+34 611 537 616
[email protected]
www.hudepa.com