This season's prospects for Iceberg lettuce and broccoli, two of the Region of Murcia's main crops, are optimistic thanks to the spring and summer rains, although the high productivity also increases the likelihood of overproduction.
"We are seeing an increase in consumption of both Iceberg lettuce and broccoli throughout Europe, including Spain. In January and February, we are practically the only producers on the continent," says Antonio Ávalos, Managing Director of Deilor.
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The increase in consumption, according to Ávalos, is linked to "the trend towards healthy consumption. In many restaurants, there's a wide selection of salads at first-course prices. Our advantage is that lettuce has to be consumed very quickly after it's harvested, and we are close to the rest of Europe."
Two factors make the Iceberg stand out from other lettuces: Its crunch and that burst of water in the mouth. In addition, it's easier to ship than a Romaine. Even though the latter has more flavor, the Iceberg is still the favorite."
For this season, Ávalos says that they are "expecting to harvest between 18 and 20 million heads of Iceberg lettuce. Due to the rains, productivity has been high already in summer, so we are likely to have some overproduction of Iceberg in January and February, given the trend in summer."
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Broccoli season started earlier
"Broccoli is one of our most important products. We have started the season at least a week early, so we are having some overlap with other countries, since temperatures in Europe are much milder. It is no longer as hot or as cold, and the seasons are getting longer," says the manager.
"Italy and Greece have also started earlier, which entails some overlap in the productions. Although they are the preferred suppliers of Eastern Europe or Germany because of their proximity, Spanish Iceberg lettuce and broccoli are also highly appreciated there," says Ávalos.
"Our climate and agricultural tradition are very important factors. You can grow broccoli or Iceberg in different countries, but the quality provided by the sun, a well-adapted crop, and the right temperatures is unbeatable," says the manager.
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"I agree that we have to promote local consumption, sustainability, and the local economy, but production in some European countries is very expensive and, when their seasons are over, they are relieved to be able to buy Spanish produce with very good characteristics at a great price."
"The biggest challenge, without a doubt, is climate change"
According to the manager, "something that is quite concerning is the sharp temperature fluctuations recorded in just a few hours. There are products whose consumption is closely linked to either cold or hot temperatures. This is why one week we'll see demand for several trucks of, for example, watermelon, and two days later nobody will want them because the temperatures have dropped by 8°C." For the agricultural sector, the biggest challenge, without a doubt, is climate change."
"The problem is the temperature peaks. Iceberg production can be extended in France if the weather is benevolent, but that's not normal for this time of year. And if the temperature drops sharply in one day to more typical values, the whole crop will freeze. The challenge we are facing is being able to manage these peaks and the overlapping of seasons," says the manager.
For more information:
Antonio Ávalos
Deilor
Tel.: +34 635 81 75 78
[email protected]
www.deilor.com