Moroccan blueberry season started yesterday for Seville's Royal company, who have been able to harvest earlier than last year and expects to increase production 800 tonnes in 2013-2014 compared to the previous year.
"Moroccan blueberries are characterized this year for their precocity," said Diego Pozancos, responsible for product development at Royal. "The location of the farms in Morocco benefit from their proximity to the Atlantic coast, which positively influences the earliness of production and their outstanding quality."
Now they start with the Blue Aroma variety, the most precocious variety and the one which will represent most of the volume in the first months of production, while the Royal Blue variety, which begins later in production ensures continuity of supply the second half of season. These two exclusive varieties are produced 100% by Royal on their own farms.
With all greenhouse production, Royal begins its blueberry season, which ends in June, ensuring continuity of supply to customers, and covering the range of the season in the southern hemisphere and European production.
"The privileged features of farm production in Morocco, is backed up by the latest packaging and classification technology. Our facilities ensure compliance with the specifications of the most demanding customers. But Royal 's commitment is to the consumer, that is why we have selected and cultivated our varieties in order to exceed the consumer's expectations," he says.
Although there are still blueberries in Argentina and Peru, Moroccan blueberries compete mostly with blueberries from Chile and Spain. "This year the quality of the Moroccan blueberries is excellent thanks to the pleasant climate and low rainfall, having a very good taste and a very interesting caliber."
Royal exports its blueberries to traditional markets in Europe, such as Germany, Holland, France, UK and Scandinavia. "We are working to strengthen Royal's presence in international markets such as the Middle East and Asia. Consumption growth and interest in the Berries by consumers in these countries make this area an interesting destination and we want to increase sales volumes in these markets," says Diego Pozancos.
These new season blueberries will be available for tasting in the next edition of the Fruit Logistica Fair 2014 in Berlin, in Hall 18 - Stand A02.
