Berries: strawberry production falls by 4% while blueberry and raspberry output climbs
Source: Strawberry Producers and Exporters Association of the Province of Huelva (Freshuelva)
Onubafruit adds avocado to its crops
Huelva-based cooperative Onubafruit has added avocado to its product portfolio, with 1,000 tons of the fruit forecast for the next campaign. This campaign, the cooperative has marketed 85,000 tons, with Europe the main destination for fragile berries exports due to its proximity. General manager Carlos Esteve said: “Europe is our main market for logistical reasons, but we are continuing to establish successful business ties in Asia, where consumers are showing great interest in our products.” Esteve adds that export protocols are still needed in order to establish solid commercial structures.
Unica Fresh adds berries to its catalogue
Unica Fresh has expanded its portfolio with the addition of berries, thanks to the incorporation of Huelva-based cooperative Bonafrú (Bonares Andalusian Fruit and Vegetable Cooperative), which is dedicated to producing and marketing strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. In the 2021 campaign, Bonafrú’s production reached some 4,500 tons cultivated on 350 ha. At its production peak, the cooperative generates 2,500 jobs. Its main markets include Germany, the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. Unica Fresh president Jose Martínez Portero said: “With Bonafrú, we have expanded our geographical presence, since it is the first cooperative in the Huelva area to join Unica Fresh. This addition also allows us to add berries to our range. Bonafrú has enriched the Unica Fresh catalogue, and we aim to continue to grow and provide the best service to customers.”
Cuna de Platero continues investing in Cupla blueberry
Cuna de Platero continues to focus on its new Cupla variety, an early, high-yielding blueberry that offers lower production costs. Meanwhile, Cuna de Platero continues to invest in R&D as it seeks out new varieties. The firm has acquired a plot of land where it will set up an experimental field that will be expanded in the coming years. For this campaign, the cooperative projects production will be similar to last year’s: strawberries: 46,000 tons, raspberries: 2,500 tons, blueberries: 3,200 tons, blackberries: 100,000 kg and pitaya: 50,000 kg. The main market remains the EU. Cuna de Platero general director Juan Báñez said: “In the last year, we have obtained the QODS certification, which attests to our social and environmental commitments. This sustainability protocol, aimed at continuous improvement to achieve the SDGs and the 2030 Agenda, is helping us be more responsible and efficient in all our processes.”
