Leading Spanish co-operative and exporter Anecoop has spoken out about the crisis dogging the citrus sector in Spain.

Anne Mariotti of the Anecoop marketing department told freshinfo: “At Anecoop, we want to maintain a positive outlook in the face of the situation the citrus sector is undergoing. It is our responsibility and that of all stakeholders. We know that being alarmist is not good for the parties concerned.”

Mariotti said that clementine prices so far had been disappointing for Spain’s growers. Both production and sales were also affected early in the season by inclement rainfall, and the fact that new early types have not “lived up to the expectations” of the sector.

“Given the slow rate of sales, some producers have given in to nerves which has put downward pressure on prices as product is offered for sale with no sense of responsibility,” said Mariotti. “You can see this from fruit on offer at any price through channels not usually used by the person offering it for sale. This seriously threatens the stability of the more organised offer on the market especially as the prices are also scandalously low and well below the level required to cover costs.”

The Anecoop representative concluded that it is possible for profitability in the citrus sector with a good quality product that is appreciated in the market as it did last season and that this is achieved through planning and setting priorities.

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