The fruit and vegetable season has already started in some areas of Almeria, but the majority will still wait until November to harvest one of the most sought-after vegetables: vine tomatoes. Once again this year, growers are faced with uncertainty regarding the weather, pests, and the European market, with plenty of crops from third countries.
"Vine tomatoes are a favorite in supermarket chains. They are usually always available because of their long shelf life, although that depends also on the variety and the cold chain management, amongst other factors. This vegetable has become a staple among European consumers, and growers specializing in this crop have many challenges to face, from lack of water to pressure from pests," says Elías Fernández, sales representative at Costa de Almeria.
© Lydia González
"Next month, we'll already have larger amounts of vine tomatoes and we'll go on until May or early June, always depending on pests and the weather, as a warm winter could affect the season's length," says Fernández.
As far as this season is concerned, Elías says: "We have great confidence in the work of the growers, but we are also highly concerned about the rugose virus, a fungus that affects tomato plants and which had a certain impact last season."
© Costa de Almería
"The rugose virus is as big a threat as Parvispinus for peppers; the difference is that there are tomato varieties that are resistant, although the feeling of uncertainty prevails," says Fernández. "There are concerns both at source and at destination, because the pest can threaten the supply to points of sale, but we are confident about the new tomato varieties, despite the rugose virus."
As far as competition is concerned, "we must keep an eye not only on our own production, but also on that of other producing countries, such as, at the moment, the Netherlands and Belgium. In November, when we start, Turkey and Morocco will also come into play. We are more concerned about those because they generate unfair competition. We must adhere to a lot of EU regulations, and those rules don't apply to third countries," says the sales representative.
As far as Fruit Attraction is concerned, Fernández says: "It's been a great success for us. I believe we're going to have more work and that the fair has brought together more people from the sector than in other years. We have always taken part as exhibitors, and we have noticed a remarkable strengthening of the fruit and vegetable sector in Almeria."
Costa de Almeria has two fruit and vegetable auctions; it has its own production, but it also handles some from associated growers. It sells zucchini, eggplant, pepper, cucumber, and tomato. Tomatoes alone account for 25 million kilos a year. It mainly supplies large supermarket chains in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and other parts of Europe.
For more information:
Elías Fernández
Costa de Almeria
Tel.: +34 626 49 95 92
[email protected]
www.hcostadealmeria.es
