This year, Portuguese squash production was very similar to last year, both in terms of quantity and quality, says Valter Coelho, general manager of Portuguese fresh produce exporter Valfresh: “Compared to Last year we had the same production volumes. We grew 2,000 tonnes of butternuts and 3,500 tonnes of butternut squash. The quality of this year’s production is also comparable to last year. because we have seen good calibers, with great quality, which will allow us to have products available until the end of April. We have already started exporting both products since the beginning of the month. October and the reactions were very positive.
One of the main factors favoring the cultivation was the climate, explains Mr. Coelho. “During the traditional and vegetative cycle, the temperatures have always been regular and mild. In addition, we did not have any rain from May to the end of September, which, for the squash, helps a lot with the quality. This has helped us a lot allowed them to be stored without rain, which increased their shelf life.
Although the main market for Valfresh’s export has remained the same, the Portuguese exporter has also managed to enter new markets this year. “Our main market is the Netherlands, which consumes around 65% of our volumes. What is new this year is that we are expanding our exports to other destinations, such as Austria and the Czech Republic. These markets are increasingly demanding our products and seem to be a good entry, with interesting volumes for this season. France has also been an important market for us. Compared to previous seasons, overall demand has been lower. , largely due to the supply of Spain, which continues to have very low prices, especially for hazelnuts.
According to Mr. Coelho, low prices for Spanish squash have made this season more difficult. “In terms of prices, we have some difficulties. Prices are around 20% lower than in the previous campaign, largely due to the low prices in Spain. Currently, prices in Central Europe are very low and these price levels are expected to continue until the end of the year.
With other producing countries expected to run out of stock soon, Portuguese exporters are expected to have a more favorable time in the new year: “Forecasts for the rest of the campaign look encouraging, as Spanish volumes are nearing their peak. end We hope that sales volumes and prices will increase significantly at the start of the new year. In our opinion, this is what will happen, and from what we understand from our contacts, volumes. in South Africa and Brazil will be much lower this year, which will help us a lot here in Portugal, and will help a lot in this sector in general.”
For more information:
Valter Coelho
Valfresh
Such. : +351 263 595 009
[email protected]
www.valfresh.pt
