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- How many years have you been cultivating broccoli?
At Agromediterránea, we have been cultivating the finest vegetables on the shores of the Mediterranean for over 20 years. Among the products we specialize in, and one of the first ones we started with, is broccoli. In the last year, we sold about 8,000 tons of broccoli, reaching 18 countries across Europe.
- What caught your attention the most about our favorite vegetable?
At that time, broccoli was a relatively new vegetable in the Spanish market. It was beginning to be known for its great nutritional properties, and we knew that it was being consumed more and more in households across Europe.
We chose to include it in our assortment because we only saw positive aspects: it’s a super vegetable, highly healthy, has a very special taste, and pairs with virtually any food. Additionally, it was gaining more prominence in our cuisine. In the last 10 years, broccoli consumption in our country has multiplied by 10. Associations like +Brócoli have undoubtedly contributed significantly to boosting its awareness and integration into the daily diet of many families.
- Broccoli is considered by more and more people as the food of the 21st century. How do you think its evolution will be in the coming years?
Certainly, it is a food that meets all the requirements to become a staple and favorite in the diet of any consumer looking to eat healthily. We see more and more broccoli on Instagram and social media; broccoli is part of school menus, so even the youngest have it integrated into their regular diet. I am convinced that its demand will continue to increase, both in Spain and the rest of Europe, with more uses and recipes.
- How do you approach innovation in the field? New products, new cultivation techniques, new tools…
On a technical level, we work closely with seed companies to always find varieties that best adapt to each terrain, each season, and the specific conditions that allow us to promote more sustainable agriculture, reducing the use of water and pesticides. To achieve this, we engage in varietal selection through trials with new varieties, studying post-harvest, quality, ensuring the trunk has no defects, etc.
In the field, our technicians compare results and seek continuous improvement techniques, such as perfecting the cutting time at the optimal state of the plant, ensuring maximum quality, taste, and freshness in the product.
At the consumer level, with our extensive experience in broccoli and vegetable cultivation in general, we know the tastes and specific needs of each market and offer packaging solutions, format, weight, adapted to each customer.
- Have you noticed a change in society’s eating trends? What has this meant for your production in recent years?
In general terms, today’s consumer is more concerned about their health, demanding fresh and high-quality products that allow them to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. They also seek easy-to-cook or consume products and variety, fun dishes. Broccoli responds very well to these tastes and needs.
In our case, we market broccoli in whole pieces, adapted in format and weight to each market. Additionally, in recent years, we have developed new options to make eating broccoli more practical, varied, and fun. In our assortment, we have included options such as broccoli florets, organic broccoli, or broccoli microgreens (the first sprouts of vegetables), which add a note of color and flavor to dishes, along with countless nutrients.
- The agricultural sector has proven to be essential in situations that required greater effort to supply the entire population. How have you perceived the support from people who have rallied behind you?
The onset of the pandemic in March 2020 demonstrated that the agricultural sector was an essential sector for our economy and society. During the weeks of total confinement, our teams continued to go to their workplaces every day to ensure the availability of fresh and healthy products on the shelves of supermarkets across Europe. There was no shortage of vegetables at any time. I think this is something that citizens in Spain and Europe, in general, knew how to appreciate, and as part of this sector, we can be proud of our work.
- How long have you been collaborating with Más Brócoli? And what do you appreciate most about this collaboration?
Agromediterránea was one of the founding companies of the association, and we continue to be an active part of the Board of Directors. Más Brócoli is the meeting point for all companies that want to help society eat healthier and also in a more varied and fun way. Let eating healthy not be boring. We join forces to explain the benefits of our product in schools, with opinion leaders and influencers, and support scientific research to learn more about its properties. We will continue working to keep building this broccoli revolution.
- And finally, any favorite recipe that none of our fans should miss?
I love cooking and innovating by incorporating vegetables into traditional recipes. I propose a broccoli quiche that you are sure to love.
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