Leading Spanish fresh produce cooperative group Anecoop has launched a new range of Spanish-grown exotics for export across Europe in response to a growing demand for tropical fruits in a number of countries.
The line, which will be sold in Germany, France and the UK, as well as the Spanish domestic market, includes avocados, mangoes, papaya, custard apples, pomegranates, watermelons and dragon fruit, and is being marketed under the brand name, Bouquet Exotic.
Anecoop, which hopes to sell up to 2,000 tonnes of the products this season, told Eurofruit Magazine that the entire range was being sourced from associated Spanish growers, primarily from Andalusia and the Canary Islands.
The company also revealed that its hopes to develop several of the products for use in its Clink! fresh cut range, after successfully incorporating ready-to-eat mangoes and pomegranates.
According to the marketer, the launch of the exotics line is in response to a “clear increase in demand” in the European market for the products, as well the better returns that the higher priced fruit can offer.
In a statement, Anecoop president Juan Safont said: “Sales in Europe of exotic products are increasing every year, due especially to the growing trend for foodservice professionals to use these kinds of products and the good response from consumers.
'We have launched this line because we are convinced that the opportunities for tropical fruit in the EU are open.”
