Quality garlic from Spain in Europe
Spain
Thursday 04 June 2009
There are four varieties of garlic seeds from Spain on the market: Gardos, a variety of purple garlic that has a high yield, superior quality and lasts well; Garcua, a white garlic that has a high yield and a high percentage of larger sizes; Garpeck, a variety of purple garlic which is very early, has vigorous, erect growth and finally Gardacho, an American type of garlic characterised by superior quality, yield and size.
Gardos is the most sought-after red garlic in the Spanish market unlike France and Germany, where white garlic is more in demand.
Regarding sanitary regulations in Spain, garlic has no specific regulation as such, but legislation states that seeds have to fulfill general requirements if they are to be used for sowing: they have to be free of fungus, viruses and parasites (mainly nematodes).
In recent years there hasn’t been much change in the sales of seed in Spain. Planted surface area in Spain has declined but Spanish growers are aware that they have to offer better produce in order to be distinguishable from imported produce.
Abroad, sales of Spanish garlic have increased in those countries where they were already present. Their goal in the future is to consolidate their market share in those countries where they are already established and increase their market share in those where they are just starting out.
Gardos is the most sought-after red garlic in the Spanish market unlike France and Germany, where white garlic is more in demand.
Regarding sanitary regulations in Spain, garlic has no specific regulation as such, but legislation states that seeds have to fulfill general requirements if they are to be used for sowing: they have to be free of fungus, viruses and parasites (mainly nematodes).
In recent years there hasn’t been much change in the sales of seed in Spain. Planted surface area in Spain has declined but Spanish growers are aware that they have to offer better produce in order to be distinguishable from imported produce.
Abroad, sales of Spanish garlic have increased in those countries where they were already present. Their goal in the future is to consolidate their market share in those countries where they are already established and increase their market share in those where they are just starting out.