In addition to a large number of winter growing areas in South America, the fig is particularly widespread in the Mediterranean region during the summer months. As one of the main fig producers, Spain concentrates its cultivation of this sweet fruit in the areas of Alicante, Catalonia, Granada and Extremadura. Two particular varieties of figs are found here – the «flowering fig brevas», and the «autumn fig». The early fig season, in which the «Brevas» variety is harvested, begins in May and ends in June. Afterwards, the main season runs from the end of July to the beginning of September.

There are some differences between the two products, both in taste and in the development of the fruit. While the «brevas» spring from the second flowering of the previous year without repeated pollination, the autumn figs grow on the new branches of the tree after successful pollination. Compared to the light, greenish, smaller and very sweet autumn figs, the «Brevas» appear rather less sweet, are significantly larger and are characterised by a darker colour.

Overall, this year’s early fig season was as usual. Only an increase in production of 15-20 % was accompanied by a slight decline in the price of the produce. Despite the problems caused by frost in January and the rains in spring, the quality of the produce remained consistent. The only consequence of the negative weather influences was that generally less produce could be exported.

For the main fig season in Spain, which is now beginning, a slight increase in production, which can be marketed well, is expected due to the good weather and further plantings. Although the dominant varieties are still Colar and Coll de Dama, there has been a lot of investment in the last 5 years in new varieties such as Dalmatia and Banana. This should have a positive impact in terms of increased export demand and a longer fig campaign.

In planning these product campaigns, KÖLLA places great emphasis on sustainable packaging. For example, we are increasingly using cellulose inserts and cardboard trays in our packaging concepts.