The company anticipates a positive campaign despite weather-related early challenges
Spanish soft fruit specialist Plus Berries has fired the starting gun on its new strawberry campaign. The Huelva-based company said the beginning of the campaign has been technically challenging due to adverse weather conditions, specifically the high temperatures recorded during the planting phase and the recent passage of Storm Claudia.
Despite these initial difficulties, the outlook for the season is positive. David Vélez, Plus Berries’ agricultural technical manager, confirmed that, “although the storm caused damage, this has now been fully repaired and the crop management has responded effectively”.
However, the company noted that the plants are slightly behind schedule compared to last year, a situation resulting from the need for constant irrigation to protect the crop from the heat. Despite the phenological delay, harvesting has already begun, and market forecasts remain optimistic as the first Candela strawberries arrive on the market.
Plus Berries said its campaign strategy revolves around Candela, an early-ripening variety that produces very uniform fruit with an intense red colour. “Candela stands out for having a plant that is much more resistant to pests and diseases, which is essential to achieving our Zero Residue goal,” the company said. “For the consumer, this translates into guaranteed flavour and quality.”
Marisma – developed by Fresas Nuevos Materiales – and Emco Cal’s Cleopatra complement Plus Berries’ strawberry offer. Overall, the company has increased its planted area by 10ha this season.
Plus Berries said its commitment to a sustainable and zero-residue farming model requires a daily effort, with constant vigilance against pests and diseases. “The goal is clear: to offer consumers the most natural strawberries possible,” the company stated.
This commitment is supported by a strong investment in R&D. The company has an innovation development centre that researches the use of biological control, microorganisms, and precision tools such as irrigation probes, dosimeters, and rain gauges to optimise resources. This research allows Plus Berries to develop varieties better adapted to the terrain, more robust, and suitable for organic production without residues.
“The start of the season is the most important and crucial moment, where it is essential to take care of every step,” the company said. “Regarding sales, expectations are positive. Demand is strong, and we expect to continue supplying all possible markets.”
