Almeria is well-known for its big five: Eggplant, zucchini, pepper, cucumber, and tomato, but the province isn't growing only these. There are companies committed to crop diversification, aiming to stand out in such a crowded vegetable sector, and which grow lesser-known products such as okra, diakatou or garden eggs.
"We are currently growing okra in Almeria and Honduras, with an annual volume of around 6,500 tons. Our main destinations are Europe and the United States. Rather than becoming a global leader, our main goal is to always deliver quality and stability, while working constantly in research and in the development of new systems and products," says Miguel Gómez, head of Fenixfood's sales department.
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Besides okra, the manager says that they also stand out with "other exotic products, such as diakatou and garden eggs, varieties of African eggplant which, for a few months of the year, are grown in Almeria. Our work is always carried out according to our clients' programs. We are not seeking to produce large volumes, but we are strongly committed to achieving quality and stability in production. We differentiate ourselves by growing okra, diakatou, or garden eggs in Almeria."
As for the challenges they've faced in their geographical expansion into countries such as Honduras, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Egypt, Gómez says that in the former's case, "it is in full development and represents a great opportunity. Through our partner San Esteban Farm's, we are expanding our product range with sweet potato, chili peppers, habanero, karela, and other lines that are in great demand by clients in Europe and the United States," he says.
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"The sweet potato shipments from Honduras to Europe and those of guava from Egypt to France have been very well accepted by clients, and we are working on planning and production with the aim of increasing our export volume by 2026."
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With such a diversified business perspective, Gómez says that their goal is to "continue expanding the range with tropical products such as mango, avocado, guava, pitahaya, passion fruit and papaya." To achieve this," he says, "we are looking for clients who are committed to our model, which links producers directly with the end buyer, without intermediaries."
The manager believes that this is a better way to work because "the grower is aware of all the details: the price at which the product is sold, to whom, how the product has arrived, what aspects need to be improved, and when payments will be made. However, it is essential that partners understand and appreciate Grupo Agrolulo's working system."
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"After several years of research and development, carefully selecting varieties and growing areas, we have managed to achieve stable quality and a consolidated market. Our aim is not to produce large volumes, but to prioritize quality and regularity. This is why we work with clients who value and share this same philosophy," says the head of sales.
As for this year's Fruit Attraction fair, Gómez says: "Last year we had our own stand, but this year we have decided to attend as visitors and meet with our clients in a more dynamic way. We are in the middle of a development process, and probably next year, with a wider and more consolidated product range, we will participate again with a stand."
For more information:
Miguel Gómez
Fenixfood S.L.
Tel.: +34 687437901
[email protected]
www.fenixfood.es
www.grupoagrolulo.com
www.sanestebanfarm.com