Part of the reason for this low production has been the lack of stability in terms of quality, mainly because of the weather. "This season we could not put our trust in the product, as the weather led to quality problems at various points during the season, both in Spain and Morocco. Right now it is dry and temperatures are stable, although for us the season is almost finished," explains Graham Cousins, Commercial Director of Comexa Europa S.L.
Nevertheless, the economic crisis currently affecting Europe is taking its toll on the market. "Many supermarket chains are opting to buy more from Morocco," affirms Graham. "Our clients have always demanded premium quality tomatoes, although the tendency this year is to buy at cheaper prices and accept products of inferior quality, such as Moroccan tomatoes," he states.
Looking ahead to the future, Graham studies the possibility to look for varieties that are more resistant to sudden temperature changes and adverse weather conditions. "We are in contact with our producers in Almeria to keep track of the seeds used, as we look for more resistant varieties, especially in the Pitenza variety, as it is the most appreciated by our clients in the United Kingdom, our main export market."
Vine tomatoes have been more popular than loose tomatoes in the UK this year, and demand for cherry and cherry pear tomatoes continues to grow thanks to various promotions from British supermarket chains.
Comexa Europa is now conducting programmes of one to two weeks in British supermarkets, ensuring a fixed price for producers and a given share for the client. "That is the future," points out Graham. "However, we must also pay attention to exchange rates from Euro to Pounds, as we risk losing money when having to pay our providers."
Based in Jávea, in the Spanish province of Alicante, and with offices also in Valencia, Comexa Europa S.L. is devoted to the export of tomatoes and peppers to countries such as the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany.
A month ago, Comexa launched its new Golden packaging, COMEXA GOLD 24 CT, a gold-coloured cardboard box meant to look like a 24 carat gold bar.
For more information:
Graham Cousins (Commercial Director)
COMEXA EUROPA S.L.
C/Vicenza 21-14 Jávea, Alicante. Spain
T +34 966 463 522
M: +34 609 816 422
[email protected]
www.comexaeuropa.com