Spain's Costa Tropical, located between the provinces of Malaga and Granada, is an area known for its avocado and mango production, but there's another fruit gaining more and more ground there because of its lower water requirements and characteristic sweetness.
"Cherimoyas are our white gold. The entire production is exported to Europe, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, etc. In Europe, demand is increasing by around 5 to 10% each year; in fact, most supermarkets already have this fruit as part of their range," says Víctor Rodríguez, Sales Director of Frutas Los Cursos.
© Frutas Los Cursos
"The main cherimoya variety we produce is the Fino de Jete, which has a longer shelf life and achieves better growth. It is indeed a very labor-intensive crop, but it is very profitable. We have managed to extend the season, which now lasts from August to May. Lebanese or Brazilian cherimoyas are not as sweet; those from the Costa Tropical of Granada are the most appreciated in the world, and this is also the world's leading growing area," says Rodríguez.
"We have around 100 hectares devoted to our own cherimoya production, but I believe we will increase this, because the crop consumes less water than avocados. Even in drought conditions, cherimoyas become sweet, and their quality is good. The fruit is naturally very sweet; even when still green, it already reaches 12º brix."
"The fruits have pips, they are not yoghurts"
"We specialize in airfreight of mangoes and cherimoyas. We reach the whole world in three days. We ship 10 pallets a day to wholesalers in Qatar, Kuwait, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, who are our regular clients."
"Cherimoya is becoming more and more appreciated in Europe. It is a very Mediterranean fruit. It has a delicate skin and also pips, which is perhaps why it's difficult to market it, but the fact is that fruits have pips; they are not yoghurts," says the Sales Director.
© Frutas Los Cursos
Largest national mango production
In addition to cherimoyas, the company also grows mangoes. According to Rodríguez, "a lot of mango has been harvested in late July and early August, and we are also expecting 70% more production. We will probably sell at a lower price."
They have been working with cherimoyas and mangoes from the Costa Tropical de Granada since 1988. Other remarkable products are their guacamole and the world's first cherimoya juice. In total, they handle about 45 million kilos of fruit per year.
For more information:
Víctor Rodríguez
Sales Director
Frutas Los Cursos
Tel.: +34 677 50 02 52
[email protected]
www.frutasloscursos.com