The amount of fresh produce purchased by Spanish retailer Eroski during the first six months of 2014 reached a weight of 390,000 tonnes, signifying an increase of 1.1 per cent on the same period last year, and an investment of €691 million.
"Ninety (90) per cent of the fruit and vegetables offered are of Spanish origin, except exotic fruits and other products which are imported seasonally," said Ana Cuevas, commercial director of fresh foods at Eroski. "Our collaborations with suppliers are built on long-term agreements for the creation of shared wealth, and are primarily based on rapid and accurate detection of new trends and preferences of consumers."
Eroski works with 1,610 suppliers in the primary sector, 32 of which were added to its list last year, but some Spanish farmers are still feeling the pinch, as 30,000 tonnes of tomatoes, peaches and mandarin oranges exported to Russia each year will now have to find another destination, as the whole continent faces a glut.
Spain has been fortunate in that wine and olive oil are exempt from Russian sanctions.
© 2014 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article written by Peter Donnelly and Paula Martin.
