The new Spanish citrus season is around the corner. From now on, the Spanish company Piensos Dura will focus on exports too. This fruit and vegetable trading company, originally active in fodder, had always focused on the local market but wants to focus more on, particularly, export to the Netherlands.

"I have a history in the fruit and vegetable trade in that country and would like to introduce Dutch wholesalers to the citrus we grow here. We also have things like watermelon and tomatoes in our assortment," says Adwin Bakkenes of Piensos Dura.

The business, owned by Antonio Dura, is more than 50 years old and grows citrus in three orchards in Pedreguer, Alicante. "We cultivate varieties like Navel oranges and Ellendale clementines. I must add that this year, despite the drought, they're looking excellent. That's because it's not so expensive to irrigate here."

"However, volumes are expected to be somewhat lower. The stormy spring weather blew off quite a few flowers," Adwin explains.

"So, there should be lower volumes across the entire spectrum. We usually have about 10,000 kilos. That will, undoubtedly, have to be adjusted downwards a bit this season."

Eighteen months ago, a huge fire reduced Peinsos Dura to ashes. "That was quite a blow," Adwin admits, "but we, nevertheless, continued with sales, and since then, we've rebuilt almost everything. That's also when we decided to move into exporting."

"When I worked in the Netherlands and imported fruit and vegetables, I would collect them myself from my Spanish suppliers. That made me realize that setting up cooperatives would be mutually beneficial for us, and certainly for Dutch sellers. We're therefore definitely taking this up now with enthusiastic partners," Adwin concludes.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com