The Soldebre cooperative, based in Tortosa, has begun the olive collection campaign this week. With optimistic forecast to collect between 10 and 12 million of kilos, quite similar to last year collection.
“This should be the year with the highest production level, due to the own olive cycle. Nevertheless, due to very poor rains this season we do not assure an increase of kilos compared to the previous year”, said Pedro Albacar, the Soldebre manager. He also stays the high quality of the fruit, which has not been attacked by pests.
Currently, Soldebre sells under its own brand between the 30% and the 35% of the oil: the virgin and the extra virgin, under the brands Cast and Select Cast. The premium oil is sold under the brand Aureum. All of them own the Baix Ebre-Montsià certificate of Protected Designation of Origin. The rest of the products are sold to large distribution companies of the State.
This year, the company expects to increase a 20% the premium range products production. Furthermore, to consolidate the supply of monovarietal oils, from the local varieties (farga, sevillenca and morruda) and other types like the arbequina or arbosana.
Soldebre’s main market continues to be Spain, particularily in bulk oil. Whereas, the packed oil with an own brand is exported to Germany, the UK, the USA and China, where it distributes oil to Hong Kong through an online platform.
The cooperative seeks to consolidate its presence in China. For this major reason, it has been involved in a trade mission organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Tortosa in Shangai. Some meetings had taken place with importers and retailers from the Chinese market.