“Pears and apples that originate from in the Rio Negro Valley in Argentina are now considered to be important products across Europe as well as in the United States and Brazil. In the past year, production has hit record numbers thanks to favorable weather conditions. However it also has had to face major challenges due to the oversupply of markets and fluctuation in market,” says Franco Gonzalo Castro who is the manager of Argentinian business Don Clemente SRL.

The firm focuses its exports to markets that are crowded including Europe as well as Brazil, the United States, Brazil and particularly, Russia. “This year, we’ve witnessed an increase in the pear production because of favorable weather conditions that caused oversupply particularly in the markets like Brazil,” says Castro. The abundance, however, can lead to some shortages that can have a negative impact on the prices. Pears are in good reserves.

Due to its location in the vicinity of the port in San Antonio Este, Don Clemente SRL has been able reduce logistical issues, since it is easily accessible to shipping by sea and land. “We provide an efficient service that allows us to streamline containers for cargo shipping and deliver them to international destination,” says Castro. The conflict in Russia as an example changed the logistics route and allowed greater flexibility for using containers.

Logistics for Russia have seen major shifts after the start of war, because the cost and availability of containers for shipments has been impacted. In the past, transportation was mostly containers, however the cost of this has increased and more difficult due to limitations and modifications on the shipping routes. “Now the most viable alternative is to ship fruit through specially designed ship holds that helps reduce costs as well as ensuring an uninterrupted flow of goods towards this market” states the director.

It is a constant battle against countries like South Africa, especially due the proximity of their markets within Europe as well as Russia and Russia, which enables the country to receive freshly picked fruit prior to Argentina. “In spite of that the apples and pears we produce are renowned for their premium dimensions and quality that makes us competitive,” says Castro.

The company assures its customers of the quality of its products by strict checks and certifications, such as GlobalGAP and, recently, Fairtrade. These requirements are crucial for meeting international needs and to maintain the trust of consumers around the world.

The year ahead presents an uncertain picture. “The conditions is in Europe is to be normal, in terms of volume However, lower production of pear is predicted to be seen in the United States, which could help the exports of our country,” says Castro. But, uncertainties in the markets, such as Russia and the rising cost of production in Argentina create constant obstacles.

For further information, click here.

Franco Gonzalo Castro

Don Clemente SRL

Rio Negro, Argentina

Tel. : +54 2984 670465

[email protected]

www.grupocastro.com.ar