Spain has emerged as one of the leading players in the pumpkin sector in Europe, with the Region of Valencia accounting for the largest share of the national production. That is where FlorFruits, specialized in pumpkin production since 1975, has its headquarters, although it has diversified its production to other areas to be able to supply the European retail market all year round.
"We have a subsidiary in Peru, FlorFruits Peru, which allows us to have products available in the off-season, from December onwards, after the end of the Spanish campaign. This year, we have brought over 120 containers of the different varieties we market, including the Muskat, Sweety Queen, Carruécano, Delica and Hokkaido," says Vicent Bataller.
Hokkaido pumpkin.
"The most demanded at this time are the Carruécano and Hokkaido pumpkins, which are largely consumed in countries like France and Germany, as well as in Eastern Europe; however, we have contracts with clients and supermarkets all over Europe. We provide a continuous service throughout the year, both with those varieties and with others, including the Sweety Queen pumpkin, owned by FlorFruits and improved thanks to a research agreement with a team from the University of Valencia. This variety is largely consumed in Germany."
Carruécano pumpkin.
"At FlorFruits, we are strongly focused on exports, which account for 75% of our sales, which range between 7 and 8 million kilos annually," says Vicent.
Sweety Queen pumpkin.
Spain is, in fact, the largest exporter of pumpkins in the EU-27 and achieved a record export value in 2023, exceeding 41 million euros. This was 107% more than in 2014 and also entailed a 57.9% increase compared to 2019, according to export data shared by FEPEX.
"This year, we have expanded the acreage on our farms in Valencia by 35% compared to last year," says Vicent, "as we have signed more programs with supermarkets in Europe. For Halloween, we have increased our production by 50-60%. At that time, we never have enough pumpkins to meet all the demand."
For more information:
FlorFruits
Polígono Industrial EL Plá, Parcela 11, A and B
46290 - Alcàsser, Valencia. Spain
Tel.: +34 685 60 23 23
[email protected]
https://florfruits.com