Alfonso Rivera

The frosts that occurred during the blossoming period of varieties with low winter rest requirements have notably reduced the harvest of very early varieties recently introduced into the production areas in the Guadalquivir Valley.

Specifically, according to Juan Carlos Rituerto, the director of Frutaria Sur,

“the total volume produced by Frutaria nationwide will be higher than in 2011 for peach and nectarine; however, our harvest forecasts between April 25th and May 15 will be somewhat lower than usual. All the production will have better colour and higher calibres than in the previous campaign.”

The most recent estimates from the sector suggest a drop of close to 30% until May 15th, but this reduction will depend on the range of varieties available to each grower.

After this date, and until June 15th, production seems to be assured in terms of both volume and quality.

Early and extra-early stone fruit represents around 14 thousand tonnes, 35% of the 40 thousand tones the company produces in this category.

Its own variety programme

One of Frutaria’s strong points is its own variety programme, which has been giving good results for years now. “We are very pleased with the range of early yellow Almaneb and Almavero nectarines, and the late varieties Almalate and Almamiel. All of these are fully coloured, offering good agronomic yield and, above all, an excellent flavour”, says Alfonso Rivera, Frutaria’s Sales Director.

The Almabar early apricot and the range of firm-fleshed white peaches are also excellent. On the other hand, the range of extra quality plums in its Rainbow range offers a wide chromatic diversity in both skin and pulp, a crunchy texture and high levels of sugar ensuring an exquisite flavour.

It has also extended its proposals in extra-early firm-fleshed yellow peaches, available from the beginning of May.

New challenges

Now that its own variety programme has been consolidated, Frutaria is focusing greatly on developing new growing techniques to enable it to optimize costs, as well as additional improvements in post-harvest techniques so as to guarantee expansion into overseas markets, to which it sent over 900 containers last year.