Spain: Dutch grower SweetPoint operates on 16 hectare in Spain

Another three weeks or so, and Dutch peppers will be available again. Until then, growers’ organization SweetPoint receives its sweet Ramiro peppers from Spanish soil. The Spanish growers are actively supported by Dutch grower Michel Zuijderwijk. "The quality is currently very good; in fact, we see progress each year.”

SweetPoint cultivation area in Almeria

In Spain, SweetPoint cultivates an area of approximately 16 hectares. Thanks to its Spanish production, the company can supply all year round. To guide the Spanish cultivation, Michel travels to Spain every two weeks. "This is a matter of necessity," says Marja Vijverberg of SweetPoint. "We are now in our sixth year. We grow our own brand, the Ramiro, with the utmost dedication and we want to ensure that all goes as planned. There have been some minor problems this season, but we find that each year is a little better than the last. The quality, even now at the end of the season, is still very good."

Currently the Spanish season is coming to an end, as is the Israeli season, and supplies are running low. SweetPoint expects to be able to deliver Dutch produce from week 12. This year the Dutch acreage increased to 25 hectares. "We mainly supply the Netherlands, England, Germany and Scandinavia," says Vijverberg. So far, the supply of pointed peppers is fairly constant. "It’s a complicated crop, very hard to propagate, and also expensive,” Vijverberg explains. “The yield is almost always lower than with ordinary peppers. The product is fragile: not everyone can do it."

Michel Zuijderwijk visiting the Spanish cultivation

For more information:
SweetPoint
Vijverberglaan 2 B
2675 LC Honselersdijk
Telefoon: 0174 – 671300
Fax: 0174 – 671301
E-mail: [email protected]
www.sweetpoint.nl