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Andalucía: the Quality Market Garden

Andalucía: the Quality Market Garden

Andalucía

Andalucía: the quality market garden

Andalusia is ’s most populous devolved region, and the second-largest by size. Its climate and wealth of landscapes, history and heritage give rise to a wide variety of successful economic activities. produces a huge variety of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetables account for the lion’s share of Andalusian agriculture and are one of its main underpinnings for development. With annual output of 7.5 million tons of vegetables and 2 million tons of fruit, the GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables

18 www.frutas-hortalizas.com Andalucía

sector totals 49% of all Andalusian farming, and makes the region Spain’s leading exporter, especially of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries and cucumbers. Present knowledge about the importance of fruit and vegetables in our diet provides a powerful argument for the large investment in the sector, which has beco- me a source of wealth creation for many rural areas of Andalusia. The high returns achieved encouraged settlement in the territory and enlarged the agricultural sector’s assets. GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables

19 www.frutas-hortalizas.com Andalucía

Chirimoya de la Vegetables are highly versatile and allow a wide is a range of uses. This broadens the possibilities for vegetables: nutrition experts recommend five custard apple portions a day. You can sample them in a salad grown on the west dressed with Andalusian extra virgin oil and coast of , in a typical cold vegetable or province and the and cream, or in a traditional east coast of stew. Vegetables are a fundamental component of the so-called “Mediterranean diet”. Malaga province. Each of Andalusia’s provinces grows its own Its PDO has been distinctive produce: in force since Almería is a land of market gardens. It grows the 2002. The finest tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, runner beans, courgettes, aubergines, and . Its chirimoya has a inland districts have a total area of over 180,000 hec-

GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables sweet taste and tares of almond orchard. characteristic The lush vegas of Granada cultivate green as- aroma. Its high paragus, artichoke, onion, lettuce and cherry tomato. fibre content aids The Granada and Malaga coastal areas, however, are known for “sub-tropical” custard apple and avocado digestion, and it is production. Malaga is also a preeminent producer of rich in vitamins B lemon and raisins. and C and Huelva offers us tangerines, chestnuts and its minerals such as wonderful strawberries. This province is the world’s calcium, iron and second-largest strawberry producer after California. is the region’s main grower of citrus fruit, 20 phosphorus. peaches and tomatoes for the processing industry. The success of the fruit and vegetable sector in Andalusia springs from the exceptional quality of its www.frutas-hortalizas.com Málaga, which protects raisins produced by sun- by produced raisins protects which Málaga, the PDO. under comes output total of 30% system. traceability a through sourcing product monitors strictly and ñécar, oversees compliance with quality requirements Consejo Regulador inspection body, based at Almu- The fisheries. and agriculture of department gional 2002 in recognised was Granada-Málaga outcome ofalocalselection. the also is Campas, importance, in variety next The skin. smooth and flavour sweet its for growers 3,000 in the Jete area. The variety accounts for 95% of the selection of plants grown spontaneously from seeds clonal local a is Jete, de Fino one, main The rieties. apple canbegrown. the only region in Europe where high-quality custard is used, varieties the and climate its to thanks area, This province. Malaga of coast east the and vince pro- Granada of coast west the on grown is Málaga La Cañada-Níjar(tomatoes)inAlmeríaprovince. province, and the recently introduced PGI Tomate de Granada in (asparagus) Huétor-Tiétar de Espárrago (PGI) Indication Geographical Protected (raisins), Málaga de Pasa PDO Granada-Málaga, Tropicalde Costa la de Chirimoya (PDO) Origin of Designation Protected includes: category This law. European res, qualify as “ of Differentiated Quality” under ties to their place of origin or other distinctive featu - flagship products are those which, by dint of special tion. produc- integrated and farming organic growing, monitored as such technologies on based systems produce, recently reinforced by a range of certification 1996 de Tropical Costa la de Chirimoya PDO The va- native from derived are used cultivars The Granada- de Tropical Costa la de Chirimoya Within its vast range of fruit and vegetables, the hectares under cultivation, and was chosen by saw the creation of the PDO Pasas de Pasas PDO the of creation the saw by the re- the by quality. and flavour requisite unique the achieve and controls strict processes follow production that The label certifies the highest quality. assured origin and with synonymous tomatoes, Cañada-Níjar La 2008 forJanuary introduced in for a tomato was indication (PGI) geographical protected The first Spanish 21 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía Andalucía

1996 saw the drying ripe Vitis vinifera grapes of the Muscat of introduction of the Alexandria variety, harvested and dried in the Axarquía district or its sub-area of Manilva. PDO Pasas de The traditional crafts of vine-growing and raisin Málaga. These production combine with a privileged climate and raisins retain the relief to create a typical product that lends expression flavour of the to the region and its people. Muscat grape Malaga raisins retain the flavour of the Muscat grape variety, with a fine balance of the grape’s natu- variety, with a fine ral acidity and the sugars that naturally concentrate balance of the in the drying process. grape’s natural Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar asparagus grows in acidity and the the lush , and is classed as a semi-wild ecotype selected using traditional methods from native sugars that asparagus species. It differs from white asparagus by

GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables naturally dint of its delicately bitter taste, powerful aroma, green- concentrate in the to-purple hue and its sharp, spearhead tip. drying process. The Denominación Específica (DE) Espárrago de Huétor-Tájar was recognised in 1996 by an Order of the regional department of agriculture and fisheries. The PGI achieved Community registration in 2000. The DE’s inspection body identifies compliant products with a back label that certifies their origin and quality.

22 www.frutas-hortalizas.com a uniqueopportunityforpromotingtheirproducts. Andalusian regional government, and gives producers the of endorsement the consumers offers quality, and offering distinctive properties. The label supports standards of quality and respect for the environment Calidad Certificada to products obtained to the utmost mark the awards Andalucía de Junta the of fisheries the marketofcertifiedproducts. use of certification under the label and the placing on of the PGI and its inspection body, thus allowing the regulations and rules the approved government nal 2007. By a new Order of 30 nal department of agriculture and fisheries in October mate de La Cañada-Níjar was accepted by the regio- tomato. cado, Oblongooralargadoandcherry Asur Liso, Redondo varieties: commercial llowing level oftheanti-oxidantlycopene. to high level of sugars and organic acids, and a high due flavour excellent flesh, firm as such properties, distinctive of range a tomatoes the gives this All and water with a high concentration of ions. cal’ Mediterranean climate combined with saline soil Níjar lies in Almería province. It enjoys a ‘sub-tropi- and agriculture of department the addition, In ToPGI - the of registration for application The fo the of be must PGI this under Tomatoes The area covered by the PGI Tomate La Cañada- January January 2008, the regio- - - species. native asparagus methods from traditional selected using ecotype semi-wild a as classed is and Granada, de in the lush Vega grows asparagus de Huétor de Espárrago The ‑ Tájar 23 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 24 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía the eastcoastofMalaga province. and province Granada of coast west rw o a 860 a on grown crops chirimoya covers 2002, in ted crea- Granada-Málaga, de Tropical be can grown. chirimoya high-quality where Europe in region only the is used, varieties the and climate its to chirimoya isconsumedfresh. prized highly The century. twentieth early the in commercially to grown be began and century seventeenth the in Spain to introduced was fruit the America, South in Originating apple. custard or cherimola) nona (An- chirimoya the grows breezes, summer mild and pical sub-tro- a of shelter the in Malaga, de Granada-Málaga Tropical Costa la de Chirimoya (PDO) Origin of Protected Designation PDO Chirimoya de la Costa Costa la de Chirimoya PDO thanks Andalusia, of area This and Granada of coasts the On

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area on the the on area h rs o ciioa aite grown varieties chirimoya of rest the cultivation from apart it set features under special its and area the of most for accounts It area. Jete the in seeds from spontaneously grown plants of lection se- clonal local a is Jete, main de Fino one, The varieties. native from rived zyme content. en- its to owing digested easily is moya Chiri- phosphorus. and iron calcium, potassium, as such minerals and C and fibre content, and it is rich in vitamins B a slightgivewhenpressed. has pulp the when The is juicy. consistency ideal and tender fleshy, is whitish pulp the and ripening, on darkens skin green pale The it. tastes who yone sweet taste with a hint of acidity captivates an- delicate its and fragrance cious The certified cultivars used are de- are used cultivars certified The high its include benefits health Its deli- a has chirimoya PDO-certified body, based at , oversees oversees Almuñécar, at based body, eponymous small fraction ofthecultivatedarea. a the only for by accounts and grower, owned tree gle another sin- a with originated that is variety native Campas world. the around The Consejo Regulador inspection inspection Regulador Consejo The sumer satisfaction. con- utmost traceability the to view a a with system, through sourcing duct pro- monitors strictly and quirements re- quality highest the with compliance de Ch

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Delicious flavour 15 to 20gcalibre Baby peartomato Delicious flavour Distinctive shape 40 to 45gcalibre Tomato suppliedonthevineorloose NT NSTR A S Elegance and Distinction I EA ÁN M TomatoesFlavour, of AÑA E n n CA n n n n VI N

TTOR ZA ZADE 45 to 50gcalibre A uniquetomatoforsizeandflavour 15 to 20gcalibre Flavour andappealingformat Elongated pearshape Baby peartomatoforbulksale MP A I R www.enzazaden.es NO I N E SP AÑA, S . L ...... 254 27 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 28 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía CE www.cesurca.com www.cesurca.com Cesurca, LosMonteros,ReneandTaxara. markets itsproductsunderthebrands The CentroSurcooperativepartnership vegetables. they growgreenasparagusandother Espárrago deHuétor-Tájar asparagus, membership ofathousand.Besidesthe The cooperativepartnershipnowhasa of pricklesunderthescales. bronze and purple stalks and the presence tip, spearhead fleshy and tender sharp, its aroma, powerful taste, bitter delicately differs fromwhiteasparagusbydintofits is regardedasasemi-wildeco-typethat It indication. geographical protected own its under 2000 in registered was variety Later theEspárragodeHuétor-Tájar reputation of their native asparagus breed. the spread and promote to forces join to seeking partnership, cooperative Sur, Centro SCA the Huétor-Tájarup set of growers asparagus forty 1977, In local farmers. the by century a almost for improved and cultivated been has which , the found intheundergrowthonbanksof genetically closetothewildspecies green-purple asparagus,avarietythatis district isthecradleofHuétor-Tájar testimony tothearea’s Moorishpast.This bear system, irrigation the of parts and Torreón Huétor the de like buildings The nameoftheplace,andhistoric Huétor-Tájar. of municipality the of lands fertile the find we Genil, river the of banks In thelushVega deGranada,onthelower I N U NTRO N I ON s u I r, s. S

STR c . a E .. N . G ...... TH 253 O TH Flor fried, roastorinsauces. cooked, salad, in raw – uses culinary of range wide a for great is Courgette cancer.especially colonandcervical cancer, and disease cardiovascular against protect helps and system immune essential toeyesight,strengthensthe intestinal function,providesvitamins and tranquillisingeffects.Itsupports sought afterforitsdietary, therapeutic vegetable low-calorie a is Courgette freshness andflavour. quality intermsofproductfirmness, excellent offer can we so area, growing cucumber –arewell-adaptedtothe and commontomato,FrenchSpanish vine peppers, Lamuyo peppers, California Our products–courgette,aubergine, markets. international and domestic all reaching withaviewto in qualityandservice, improvement constant towards Westrive products. our of packaging and handling optimal for equipped specially been have facilities Our control. pest integrated devote alargearableareatointroducing and environment the of respectful Weare requirements. customer’s our meet to products best the grow to us enabled has sector vegetable Since 1996 ourtrackrecordinthe coast. Mediterranean the on landscape We foundedourbusinessintheAlmería F E FI TH e s E N de L E A ST l N a VEGE D n S da

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254 Almería Galia marketing years. years. marketing melon Galia Almería highly indemandbybuyersthelatest so calibres commercial the in uniformity the productionchainwithutmost sweetness. Cani&Deneb&Merakprovide out fortheirflavourandlong-lasting Galia rangewiththreevarietiesthatstand segments inAlmeríaS&Gcompletesits improvement, forthemiddle-to-late As partofitsstrategyongoing quality. of guarantee a is variety the melons: producers andbuyersofAlmeríaGalia all by years for recognised as Siglo, “The earliestandthesweetest”isstill is Almería. that powerhouse exporting and producing the Galiameloncampaignin of quality high the sustained has Siglo from producertoendconsumer. chain, business entire the throughout markets, creatingtrustovertheyears Galia melonqualityyardstickacrossall Almería’s with year the start to growers the early-segmentvarietythatenables Almería productioncycle,suchasSiglo, varieties forallplantingdatesinthe for Galiamelon;itsrangeincludes Almería in name leading the still is S&G GA L IA M E LON SYN looking forhighqualityattherightprice. growers for option strongest the is Myla appearance, unbeatable and attractive an With calibre. of uniformity its for arrangement ofthefruitsonvineand Myla standsoutfortheherringbone tomato thatkeepswellafterharvest. on-the-vine calibre G pure a for looking are you if cycle this for calibre attractive market especially, Mylaoffersavery For localmarketsandfortheexport quality. limited and competitors willbeleftwithlowcalibres and calibrebythespringwhile plantations willbringyouhighquality December mid-campaign Myla, With simple. is choice the tomato, on-the-vine be safe.IfyouroptionisGcalibre The decisionisimportant,andneedsto cycle. short spring next the for plant to what deciding for approaching is time The MYL GE A NT A S EED S , S .A...... 255 29 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 30 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía IFS. and BRC, GAP,CHOICE, NATURE Certification: States and Canada. United Finland, Russia, Poland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, , Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Market: demanded byconsumersandsociety. our naturalenvironmentwillcontinue,as guarantees thatbothourbusinessand that respectstheenvironmentand want toachieveasustainableagriculture combat pests(Swirsky, Oriusbugs).We are grownusingonlynaturalpredatorsto wholly naturalmethods.Allourpeppers using weeds and pests fight to effort R&D determined a making are growers Our farming. organic increasingly of goal our towards forwards moving Weare all ourproductsandprocesses. covers that system quality a implemented with state-of-the-arttechnology. We have equipped facilities production large two Today, have . we and melon tomato, aubergine, cucumber,courgette, peppers, year, a chiefly vegetables produce 100,000 tonsoffruitand 400 growers cultivate850hectaresto forourclients. products andservices efficiency andachievethebestpossible was toimprovebothcompanies’ aim Our SCA. EjidoVerde and Agromurgi province, ourofthemergerSAT 2005 on thewestcoastofAlmería of autumn the in founded was Murgiverde TH M UGIVE E N A R www.murgiverde.es T DE, s. France, United Kingdom, Kingdom, United France, U R A L UNE 155001, EUREPE EUREPE 155001, UNE c

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...... E 255 ON G Producción Integrada and APPCC. GS, Certificada, Calidad BRC, EUREPGAP, ISO 9.001, ISO 14.001, Certification: Market: oestrogen levels. low with women in cancer breast against protect further isothiocyanates breast cancer;inaddition,itsindolesand that itsbrassinincontenthelpsprevent shown has Research hypertension. and and aneffectiveantidotetocholesterol and Orientalcuisine.Itiseasilydigested makes itawonderfulchoiceforsalads The mildflavourofChinesecabbage Almería provinceinthe1980s. pekinensis. Itbegantobegrownin hence itsbotanicalnameBrassica East: Far the in originated and appearance in lettuce to similar is cabbage Chinese beans. runner and tomato watermelon, melon, cabbage, Chinese aubergine, courgette, cucumber, peppers, of cultivation the We haveover400 hectaresgivento organic production. research towardsthegoalofintegrated its experience,qualityandongoing the fruitandvegetablesector, isapplying in years fifteen of record track a with Ejido Grupo Canalex,acompanybasedatEl E R XP U G PO E O R I CA N IE G Domestic and internacional N N R CE, QUA A E L E S X AENOR-UNE155.000, EA ...... R C L H I TY A N D 253 AG markets. sought-after cucumbersonthevarious most the of one today is cucumber Dutch quality.Agrocastell improving of terms in especially and volume of terms in cucumber, Dutch of output its in progress great made has company the 2003, Since 20 to 25cm. 15 cm andFrenchcucumbermeasuring length, Spanishcucumberoflessthan quality Dutchcucumberofover25 cmin extra produces Agrocastell C. vitamin in depending onthecultivar. rich ITisvery unripe. Itsgreenskinvariesincolour cucumber output.Cucumberiseaten The companyisnowfocusingonits cucumber. vine tomatoes,Italianpeppersand tomatoes, including runnerbeans,cherry quality, outstanding of vegetables its environment,Agrocastellproduces tradition offruitandvegetablegrowingin long the and climate privileged the With coast. of growingfruitandvegetablesonthe a producerwithtwenty-five-yearhistory range, wefindthefacilitiesofAgrocastell, from thewindbyLújarmountain Here, ontheCostaTropical andsheltered foot ofacragcrownedbyanoldcastle. shore ofGranadaprovince,nestlingatthe The villageofCastelldeFerroisonthe AG RO RO CA CA ST ST E LL E LL , s. a .

...... 252 BEA N BCR, IFS, UKAS, Calidad Certificada. Certification: Market: products. vegetable calibration andpackagingofourfruit the latesttechnologiesforsorting, 18,000 sq moffacilitiesequippedwith 450 hectares undercultivationand demanding Europeanmarkets.We have most the of knowledge wide-ranging Netherlands andtheUK,witha the Spain, of southeast the from growers expertise of14 fruitandvegetable The companybringstogetherthe round. fruitandvegetablesallyear harvest special microclimatethatenablesusto and watermelon.We arebasedina tomato plum baby peppers, sweet grow As alternative-cycleproducts,wealso peppers, cucumber, tomatoandmelon. species onourproperties:California specialises. We growonlyfourplant To achieveoptimalresults,NatureChoice processes certifiedunderISO9001:2000. preset to subject is fruit every secrets: EurepGAP standard,ourqualityhasno demanding markets.Working tothe are abenchmarkfortheworld’s most make suretheproductsunderourbrand stepofthewaywestriveto Choice. Every Quality issynonymouswithNature SP A T ECIA U R R F E C R L Europe and North America I HO UI S A T ICE, s. T I AENOR, Eurep Gap, ON A a

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255 31 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 32 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía smallholdings typicalofthearea. business risksattendantonthe the avoided and efficiency investment 1,000 has 170 membersandthetrustof now company the expertise, management product volumeandenhancedits expended itsresources,increased and distributionoftheircrops.Having production the reinforce to as so forces group oflocalgrowerswhosoughttojoin 1983 in established was Hortoventas of Hortoventas’headquarters. setting strategic the is This expansion. has achievedconsiderableeconomic area the – season of out even vegetables open-air cultivationoffruitand for allows which – climate its and soils its of fertility the location, its to Thanks AD. back onlytothesixthcentury date de Ventas of site present archaeological remainsfoundatthe oldest the although Boquete, El at Palaeolithic period,inhabitingthecaves area’s first settlersarrivedintheMiddle municipality ofAlhamainGranada.The Ventas deZafarraya,adivisionofthe entity independent local the lies Malaga of district Axarquía the and province Granada of area Poniente the Between HORTO

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by a by HORTO 1,400,000 of cauliflower, harvesting The companyalsocultivates85 hectares market. the to sent volume total the of on 85 hectares,accountingforover75% which 18 millionkilogramsareproduced The company’s mainproductistomato,of gardens. family traditional colour, whicharereminiscentof open. Thisimprovestheflavourand the in grown are beans green and lettuce artichoke, peppers,courgette,baby cauliflower, tomatoes, Its vegetables. distributes premiumqualityfruitand Hortoventas handles,standardizesand 600,000 70 open-air cultivation. is... quality achieving of secret the and quality, is consumers attracting for tool trends andnewdemand.Itsmosteffective various marketsbyfollowingconsumer Hortoventas enrichesitsknowledgeof control. waste on focus a with practices andatraceabilitysystem, implementation ofintegratedproduction to befurtherenhancedbythe set is products its of quality special The bean, achievingoutputof745,000 kg. 2,456,000 units, and15hectaresofgreen 15 300,000 for making courgette, producing 940,000 kg,30hectaresof

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kg, kg, 254 Austria and Russia , Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Italy, Kingdom, United Germany, Spain, Market: Pack AG 5 Packing type: Extra and I Quality: All year Available: bitterness. moisture andtaketheedgeoff the of some remove to before It isbesttoaddalittlesaltorlemonjuice rich invitaminsandminerals. laxative andrelaxantpropertiesis diuretic, has It vegetable. digested healthy, low-calorie,low-carb,easily to itshighfibrecontent.Itisavery Aubergine hasafirm,spongyfleshowing casserole. roast, stuffed,searedorinastew eaten fried,slicedandfriedinbatter, are thetender, firmones–andcanbe best the - cooking for ingredient versatile a is Aubergine bitterness. of hint light Our auberginehasamildflavourwith a runner bean,melon,watermelonandpea. aubergine, courgette, cucumber,tomato, peppers, includes vegetables and fruit of 150,000 tonnes annually, andourrange apply integratedpestcontrol.We produce its 1,250 hectaresundercultivation,80% of production: health-conscious towards company thatistakinggreatsteps Almería-based an is Agroponiente AG

kg boxes, with and without Flow Flow without and with boxes, kg ROPON ROPON IE IE NT NT E ...... E 252 33 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 34 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía rm 5 from ranging weight a of fruits attractive visually round, offers that plant tive produc- highly healthy, strong, a is high sugar content that remains remains that content a with sugar pulp high crunchy red, deep a in visible is quality outstanding Its watermelon. the traditional of much-loved appearance the retains flavour that great offering watermelon The Fashion brand watermelon brand Fashion The

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kg. It is a seedless seedless a is It kg. uniform from watermelon, AGF’s watermelon, unbeatable fruit brand seedless seedless brand the Fashion brand and presently inclu- presently and brand Fashion the owns that association producer the is market. domestic Spanish the for producedmarketed and watermelon black seedless first the is watermelon brand Fashion The quality. of terms in market andmelon water the of head rest the above and shoulders consumption family fla- for ideal product, healthy and voursome fresh, a is This the protocol). under quality Brix 10º (minimim taste of determinantmain the is and core to rind des growers in Almería, Granada, Granada, Almería, in growers des AGF (Asociaición Grupo Fashion) Fashion) Grupo (Asociaición AGF uca Aiat, aeca Ciu- , , Murcia, dad Real, Palma de Mallorca, de Palma Real, dad Tarragona and . Huesca. and Tarragona N O I H S A F AGF’s main role is to to is role main AGF’s tnadz ciei so criteria standardize as to assure clients clients assure to as and consumers that, consumers and htvr h distri- the whatever bution channel, the aho waterme - Fashion unique product in product unique uni- a attains lon aig hs a this making label, distinctive a bears and dard stan- high formly - hs rdc, oh ne greenhouse and intheopen. under both product, this to over given area arable increased enterprises and member new of sociation to rise to 50,000 expected is output 2009, In model. coordination and management innovative wholly sector,a with primary the in consortium largest the AGF and Europe and Spain in watermelon dless see- best-known the it making melon, 40,000 over of marketing and production the body. assessment independent an by audited management and tification 1093/07 CE than stricter far – standard quality duction own pro- AGF’s to certification brand tra- proprietary stages, all through ceability computerized product ranteeing gua- watermelon only the is and trust, and quality of challenge the to response the association’s membercompanies. all by funded standards stringent and marketing, to production from dination coor seamless brand, common unique a on based watermelon brand Fashion the supports and promotes AGF Spain. In 2008, the Fashion brand covered covered brand Fashion the 2008, In AGF’s is watermelon Fashion The tonnes of seedless black water black seedless of tonnes tonnes through entry to the as- the to entry through tonnes – and production cer production and – - - - A fidence. exceptional of con- utmost the inspires that quality product fruit a as watermelon Fashion Europe the across recognise and Spain in cosu- mers and professionals that ring ensu- on efforts its focusing tising, adver and marketing in stable investment ongoing, undertake to tinue by professionalsandconsumers. recognition product and brand sing rai- on emphasis an with industry, the in precedent without campaign advertising visual and marketing a of pport quality, su- of the and personality, and appeal terms in sale of point at out stands label the Fashion ensure to image brand for care meticulous chain, distribution entire the to supply coordinated managed, well- through success achieved has S o ciaci In years to come, AGF will con- will AGF come, to years In watermelon brand Fashion The ón g r u po fa sh i on ...... 252 - 35 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 36 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía Location: kg box Packing type: EUREP GAP Certification type: Available: good foryou. they’re What’s more, fruit. cheerful exotic, flavoursome, delicate, sweet, like you Custard applesareareallyspecialtreatif three factors. La Palmalabelaretheoutcomeofthose delicate care.Ourchirimoyasunderthe and know-how dedication, needs apple So, morethananyotherfruit,thecustard handling. well-judged pickingandmeticulous growing, careful through only achieved green skinandproperripenessare sharpness, asmallnumberofstones, A sweetflavourwithjustahintofacidic quality youcanfindonthemarket. also explainsthewidedifferencesin The difficultyofgrowingcustardapples grower. Spain istheworld’s leadingchirimoya hectares ofthefruitundercultivation, Almuñecar areaand,withbarely2,500 climate, itisonlygrownintheMotril- sub-tropical specific a such needs other fruit.Becausethecustardapple completely itsownandquiteunlikeany The flavourofthecustardappleis valleys southoftheSierraNevada. coastal the in grown apple, custard or chirimoya, exotic the Twaindescribed “Deliciousness itself”washowMark CU ST A R D A /Vélez Benaudalla October to May PPL 4 to 12 fruits to a 4 E ISO 9001/ BRC/ Location: trimix, bags, etc. Packing type: EUREP GAP Certification type: Available: tomato. cherry new strawberry tomatoandthestrikingly yellow cherry vinetomato,thetasty aromatic cherry teardroptomato,the sweet cherry deliciously the grows Palma La tomatoes, Today, besidesitstraditionalcherry research facility. Palma La the at varieties flavoursome and developingthebestmost selecting on rests success producer.Its world’s largest the is and tomato, cherry The LaPalmacooperativepioneeredthe in thespaceofjusttwentyyears. that aninnovationhasbecomeatradition tomatoproducer;it’sleading cherry here The provinceofGranadaistheworld’s in theAmericas. conquistadors the by found plants tomato are directlydescendedfromtheoriginal tomatoes, cherry of varieties present The C CAr H E c RRY h www.lapalmacoop.com u n

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Cerrillos nearby off Posidonia the among diving scuba in charm cial spe- very a is There Mediterranean. the of depths the in biodiversity of wealth a supports which oceanica, Posidonia of prairies underwater to home is floor sea The phoeniciae. Juniperus juniper, Phoenician predominant locally the to refers and grove”, “juniper for Spanish animal species. and plant of number large a for habitat favourable a provides that littoral nean Mediterra- the near ponds and dunes of system a is It reserve. nature a sing compri- Entinas-Sabinar, Punta de ral Natu- Paraje the is Ejido, El and Mar de Roquetas between located landscape, options foralldifferenttastes. leisure of range diverse tourist a offer long season a for makes that perature tem- mild a and water with clear clean, their beaches varied highly splendid, These enjoys. now town the prosperity the to road the on start to climate local Mar successfully promoted the excellent Roquetas de Mar local council ope- council local Mar de Roquetas is Sabinar, place, the of name The natural the of highlights the of One www.aytoroquetas.org all visitors. The Mediterranean and and else. the suntakecareofeverything Mediterranean The visitors. all to open always are doors Mar.Our de castle ofSantaAnaitself. and the and auditorium the hall, exhibition congress the including nues, ve- of range a in concerts and tions exhibi- events, of programme round Cerrillos watchtower. the and Espartos of the tower include also town medieval of the fortifications Arab the dynasty; the Nasrid during erected originally was It castle. Roquetas Las as known formerly 2001, in rebuilt castle, Ana for caters the mostdemandingofpalates. Mar de The Roquetas in freshness. food and quality of dard stan- high a achieves and , and fish vegetables, local fruit, of outstanding sources the by supplied tural activitiesavailable. cul- and leisure of range wide a have Visitors period. of the Moorish imprint the bear houses and streets old its of with some and auctions, fish traditional the village, fishing small a as past its of charm the preserves that place Winter barely touches Roquetas Roquetas touches barely Winter year- a boasts Mar de Roquetas Santa include landmarks Historic is cuisine Arab-influenced The colourful a is Mar de Roquetas 51 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 52 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía CA P PL from thesiteofproduction. highly demandingmarketsevenifremote to fresh distributed being its for allow flavour, life colourandlongpost-harvest Spanish strawberries.Candonga’s fine It isthepresentqualitybenchmarkfor especially toOidiumandPhytophthora. and Candonga isresistanttoBotrytis resists certainsoilpathogens. that system root strong a develops It October onwards. from cultivation admits that plant compact vigorous, a is It chain. distribution needs ofthewholeproductionand its predecessors,hencemeetingthe and offershighercommercialqualitythan attractive more rustic, more is Candonga during storage. and afirmconsistencythatholdsupwell content sugar high with flavoursome, and red is pulp The firm. fruit the keeps skin elastic Its harvest. the throughout features uniform retaining and size, in large to colour, in medium red vivid fruit, conical attractive an is strawberry Candonga The in mid-February. of its aroma, sweetness and ripeness even andfeelthedelicioussurprise strawberry of flavour the rediscover to is Candonga the Mediterraneanclimate.To taste Planasa isaprecociousvarietyadaptedto by grown strawberry Candanga The STR l a A N nt N AWBE D A a ON S s A GA de RRY n ® ava : F rr L AV a , s. O U a RSOM ...... E - 255 WE’ e AENOR, EUREP, NATURES CHOICE Certification: tomato French cucumber; aubergine; and Almería peppers; tri-colour and yellow orange, green, Red, Packed products: quality. product high meet consumers’demandforsafetyand that channels service and distribution and customers’trustloyalty. We have expectations generatedbyourpartners’ It isagreatchallengetomeetthe packaging atourpartnership’s facilities. cultivation unitoforigintohandlingand quality controltrackstheproductfrom of system Our methods. cultivation natural clean, of use the through vegetables, achievingqualityharvests and fruit of variety wide a grow Ejidoluz of Over anareaof300hectaresthepartners needs. customers’ our with line in organisation condition, wehavecreatedan optimum n consumers reach products our that ensure to Wishing products. agricultural high-quality of market the on placing and packaging production, 1993, withtheaimofengagingin partnership wasfoundedon23June EJIDOLUZ, SCAagriculturalcooperative sunshine andbeautifulbeaches,the In thesoutheastofSpain,aland A j T id E ol R J E D ID uz OL www.ejidoluz.com , s. O I UZ WE K N c G... . a ......

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253 C quality. and safety with synonymous as brands Canada, andconsumersrecogniseour venues inEurope,theUnitedStatesand markets andinthemostdemanding We arepresentinthemainSpanish onwards. tracking ofgoodsfromthepointorigin trust byguaranteeingcomputer-assisted market ensures traceability product Our vegetables. and fruit of range wide our freshness, qualityandripenessacross optimum offer to us enabling controls, Our productsundergostrictquality tonnes ayear. able tohandleandpackover45,000 equipped withmoderntechnologyand facilities of m sq 200,000 operates S.L. Almería, de Costa Today, Hortofrutícola achieve thehighestqualityinourcrops. to position a in are we farmers, partner techniques. Joiningforceswithour production andenvironment-friendly we areworkingtowardsintegrated and pollination, assisted or natural use we crop, the on Depending pests. prevent greenhouse facilitiesandtheirenvironsto process ofdisinfectingsoilsandcleaning From theoutsetwecloselymonitor the yearround. harvest us lets that climate exceptional an grown undermanyhoursofsunlightand are vegetables and fruit Our watermelon. tomato, aubergine,courgette,melonand products: peppers,cucumber, vine production anddiversifyourofferingof campaigns areplannedtooptimise growing cultivation, under ha 1,500 With vegetables soldatsource. ten entrepreneursspecialisingin de Almería,S.L.wasfoundedin1996by the Mediterranean,HortofrutícolaCosta of flavour the by and nature by Blessed E OST NT E www.hcostadealmeria.es A DE A R A W LM ORL E R D ÍA, O

S F . L H .. EA ...... LTH 254 53 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 54 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía Andalucía. province, Malaga in town a Málaga, plentiful light. and humidity atmospheric suitable temperatures, summer moderate ters, win- mild with humid climate, sub-tropical its to thanks grown, be can fruit tropical where mainland Spanish traceability, 100% thus assuringtheutmostfoodsafety. with customer the to delivery to up effectively ged mana- fruit sub-tropical high-quality 700 perts devote their efforts to producing Over ex- of fruit. team a by coordinated growers tropical exports andgrows that organisation producer a Trops, established was there 1979 in climate, exceptional an with nature byblessed place a provinces, Malaga customer’s Trops has its facilities in Vélez- in facilities its has Trops the on one only the is area This and Granada of coast the On Trops, the trust fish. Frumaco manufactures aMediterra- manufactures Frumaco fish. fried and dishes poultry and meat grilled salads, with well goes and d’oeuvre hors or dip ideal an is and burritos and tadas tos- , Mexican with wonderfully pairs and maincourses. starters, in ingredients other with felicitously blending vegetable, a fruit as Central a and as both in used be originating can that fruit America fleshy a is tions. condi- transport optimal under possible as promptly as distributed then is fruit The requirements. traceability product to ding accor calibres and varieties into sorted being rigour, professional of criteria under selected is it where facilities, the reaches moya, kumquatandstarfruit. cheri- lychee, mango, avocado, cluding in- fruits, sub-tropical of of tonnes total 16,000 a of distribution and production nean guacamole recipe that includes gar includes that recipe guacamole nean among which Trops has chosen to pro- to chosen Tropshas which among lic, and herbs, a slightly hot hot slightly a herbs, and oil olive lic, Guacamole is an avocado sauce that that sauce avocado an is Guacamole This avocado. the is Trops’speciality fruit the picking, after Immediately the oversees now organization The digested food. s vr wl-one ad easily and well-rounded very a is recipe, andanorganicrecipe. lancing blood cholesterol levels. It It levels. cholesterol blood lancing hr ae get ay varieties, many great a are There ted, so it supports health by ba- by health supports it so ted, up to 30% fat, mostly unsatura- mostly fat, 30% to up cy in its own right, just spread just right, own its in cy n lmn Aoao contains Avocado lemon. and oil with dressed or butter like It’s also an exquisite delica- - - h Mlg cat I gos n ag bun- large in in grows It coast. Malaga the originated that on grown also now is and China southern fruit sub-tropical from AugusttoDecember. laxative properties. Trops produces mango it gives content fibre its and system, mune im- the is strengthen helps Mango peel inedible. The varieties. other to preferred beingred red, to green from ranges colour the and irregular, is shape The stone. the to adhered tightly fairly and yellow juicy, is pulp the and flavour, exotic delicious a has It excellence. par fruit tropical the is it origin, Asian Of mango. the is coast cal uptoJuly.test, beingharvested la- the is Hass while October, in ripening earliest, the is Bacon varieties. Reed and Fuerte Pinkerton, Hass, Bacon, the duce h lce i a ml ad unusual and small a is lychee The sub-tropi- Malaga the of fruit Another TROPS grower’s peaceofmind... farms areviable. its that assuring thus system, gement mana- quality its through excellence its output. all characterise the transparency and quality the upholds kumquat and fruit star – apple custard or – cherimoya organic methods inMalaga. by lychee grown has Trops 1996, Since forms. tinned and dried in tober. The rest of the year it is available Oc- and September is lychee fresh for season best The fish. and meat with gredient of delicious recipes combined in- an as or peeled, and stoned half, in sliced fresh, eaten be can fruit The fragrant. very is pulp juicy and sweet clear, The hard. and scaly turns pening ri- on which skin, red soft a with ches h csoe’ tut s the is trust customer’s The service clients its offers Trops of production organization’s The ...... 255 55 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 56 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía PL that! not justplums,they’realotmorethan label orcrateoffruityou’llknowthey’re Whenever youseethename‘pluot’ona available fromlateJulytoSeptember. aimed thisvarietyatchildren.Pluotsare has Royal egg. dinosaur a of reminiscent yellowish-purple pluot with green stipples The BrontosaurusEgg in vitaminsAandC,potassiumfibre. nutritious,beingrich Pluots arealsovery distinctive andunlikeotherfruit. skin andmixtureofcoloursmakesit But itssweettaste,juicy, crisppulp,fine skin. shiny smooth, a with plum’s:round, similartoa The outsideofapluotisvery countries togrowpluots. European few the of one is Royal quality. of guarantee a is which label, ROYAL pluot its by recognised easily is It not geneticallymodified. pluot isbredasanaturalhybrid,and The both. of features has it so apricot, an and plum a between cross a is pluot A but it’s alotmorethanthat. This fruitcouldbemistakenforaplum, W H U A M T , BU ’ S A T PL … U OT ? I ® T varietyisa

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L IKE A good buy. it’s a know you’ll label, Royal a with peach yellow a see you whenever – it miss Don’t one oftheearliestpeachesonmarket. wonderful flavour, andalsobecauseit’s colour, theconsistencyofitsskinand yellow bright its for exclusive is – peach yellow ordinary an imitate to seems which – variety peach famous) (already This increase productioninupcomingyears. to plans popular,Royal so highly proved with avolumeof200 tonnes.Thepeach 2005, in it market to started and peach yellow of variety new a developed has only peachavailableatthattime.Royal 15 from – market. Itisthefirsttobeharvested consumed peachesontheSpanish widely most the of one is pavía, the as Spain in known also peach, yellow The DE L ICI O

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roy the qualitylabel. at look to is nectarines yellow-flesh from An easywaytotellwhite-fleshnectarines and summer. spring for fruit ideal an are Nectarines aromatic. and sugary very and juicy are they market: Spanish the in sought-after White-flesh nectarinesareincreasingly reduce bloodcholesterol. breakdown ofcholesterol,thushelping the aids and metabolism nutrient vitamin B3content.Vitaminsupports highest the with fruits pulpy the of one is peach, butricherinvitaminA.Nectarine Nutritionally, similarto theyarevery flesh. tender sweet, very and skin reddish a have smooth, completely are Nectarines you new, improvedflavoursandqualities. brings innovation constant company’s and developmentprogrammes.The research its to year, thanks every varieties new launches Royal flavours. sweet extra white- andyellow-pulpnectarines,with Royal offersyouthewidestrangeof W ON a l, s DE R a FU t...... L

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A R I N E S 255 57 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía www.frutas-hortalizas.com 58 GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía greenhouses greenhouses and trade trade and Vícar, and themainstayofitseconomy. Vícar in wealth of source leading the is Vícar. The town showcases the different the showcases town Vícar.The linked to the fruit and vegetable sector in watermelons andmelons. beans, runner aubergines, courgettes, including tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, produce a variety of fruit and vegetables, municipal district are ‘greenhoused’, and About 1,878 About plastic under agriculture Intensive There are many auxiliary businesses

hectares in Vícar’s in hectares duce at optimum standards of quality and pro- the keep to strive firms distribution the and in, invested and modernised kets. mar international and Spanish supply to produce Vícar’s for possible it make corporation on the other. All these models of forms other and companies limited markets, on one hand, and cooperatives, alhóndiga traditional the market: the on placed are vegetables and fruit ways Farms are constantly improved, constantly are Farms - of thisundertaking. produce, and its growers are highly aware its all in control pest integrated friendly mildclimate. very Vícar’s greenhouses have the benefit of a in grown vegetables and fruit The coast. the to down province Almería of area Poniente the of part uppermost the from in tunewithconsumertaste. Vícar is committed to environment- stretches Vícar of municipality The 59 www.frutas-hortalizas.com GUIDE of the Best Fruits and Vegetables Andalucía

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