agri-food

Despite the scientific analysis that proves the innocence of Spanish field products, the demand for vegetables and fruit, not only cucumbers, has harshly hit agriculture throughout Spain. Catalan farmers are also heavily affected, as well as fresh food shopkeepers. Farmers have to drop prices or even destroy the product as demand has plummeted, especially regarding exports. Thousands of tones of oranges are in stock in the Delta de l’Ebre and may rot if demand does not recover soon.

45 cellars from Priorat, one of Catalonia’s most famous and prestigious geographical indications, participated in a two day workshop for international wine distributors and specialised journalists from 10 different countries, such as China, the United States, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan.

The family company Mallafré has captivated International attention and recognition with its gourmet olive oils, flavoured with thyme, rosemary, garlic, coffee or tangerine, among other ingredients. 70% of the production is exported, mainly to France, Germany and Italy, but also to Japan where Mallafré’s ginger flavoured olive oil is a major success.

According to a study released by the Spanish Observatory of the Wine Market, Catalan wine exports increased by 8.8% in 2010 in terms of revenue, but at a lower rate than other wine producing areas in Spain, with an average increase of 10%. However, foreign customers seem to appreciate the quality of Catalan wine, as its price increased by 3.6%, while the average Spanish wine price dropped by 4.9%.

Valentí Mongay, President of Garraf’s ‘Slow-food’ and coordinator of the 'Km 0' initiative, has said that by reducing the number of intermediaries, there would be more affordable quality products available, that would be respect seasonal products. He also explain the ‘Flavour Ark’ initiative to preserve local species.

Torres is one of Catalonia's most globally recognised wine houses, with vineyards and wineries in places such as Chile and California. Company President Miguel A. Torres believes that innovation in every step of the process of wine production is necessary. He also stressed the importance of exports to get over the crisis.

PIMECAVA is the Association of Small and Medium-sized Cava Producers. It is chaired by Mercè Rosell, who claims in a video interview that the only way to compete against French champagne is by marketing cava as a quality and prestigious product. In order to do that it is fundamental to have the support of big cava companies like Freixenet and Codorniu and a good relationship with exporters.

Thanks to exports, 2010 was a great year for the Catalan cava industry. The total revenue reached 1,031 million euros, 10.87% more than 2009.

The Catalan Minister for Agriculture Josep Maria Pelegrí visited Berlin this week to greet the 23 Catalan companies that were exhibiting at the Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin. Catalonia has a significant fruit production industry and it exports fruit all over Europe.

The sector records a global loss of 312 million euros over the last four years. The main reason is the increase of the cereal price and thus the increase of feeding costs. Catalonia has a traditional strong pork meat sector, one of the pillars of its agri-food industry.

The Christmas season makes up 39% of sales for the cava sector. The sector exports 60% of its production to countries such as Germany, England, Belgium, the United States and France.

According to the President of the Associació Territori del Sénia, the olive oil has a smooth and balanced flavour. 12,000 bottles of olive oil were produced this harvest. They will be sold in speciality stores.

130 million kilos of citrus fruit, 10% more than last year, are expected to be produced this season. The majority of the citrus will be clementines harvested for export to countries such as Germany.

An innovative new guide book supported by the world-renowned chef Ferran Adrià was presented in El Prat, in the Agrarian Park of the Baix Llobregat county, next to Barcelona, the largest urban agricultural area in Europe. The guide includes a list of over 500 producers that sell directly to consumers.

A workshop in central Catalonia has analysed the promotion of local agri-food sectors. The Italian region of Tuscany will share their successful experiences in revalorising local consumption.