Fresh from the source: Julie’s visit to Frutas Alhambra

We are delighted to work with fantastic partners across the globe – including our long-standing Spanish supplier, Frutas Alhambra. Recently, our Technical Assistant, Julie Johnson, travelled to its base in Novelda to explore the company’s packhouse operations and quality assurance processes.

Julie is currently on a year-long placement with us as she studies for her BSc (Hons) Food Science and Innovation degree. Julie’s placement is part of our drive to foster the next generation of leaders in the agri-food sector. Through our partnership with Harper Adams University, we provide valuable opportunities for students to gain practical experience alongside their studies, as well as a bursary towards their second-year tuition fees.

Julie is currently putting that hands-on experience into practice. Read more about her observations from the trip below…

Preparations for summer harvest

As part of my trip, I spent a day in the field with Raquel and Javier. While we may be coming to the end of spring, the team is already preparing the fields for summer by harvesting crops such as Tenderstem® broccoli and Pak Choi and getting ready to plant Scotch bonnet chillies.

Spending time in the field gave me a valuable opportunity to understand the harvesting process in detail, as well as how the land is carefully prepared to ensure optimal conditions for future crop production.

My visit continued in Almería, where I spent several days gaining practical, hands-on experience within a range of areas, including the greenhouses. Working alongside Miguel, the agronomist, I was able to observe the production of California peppers, as well as hearing about the agricultural challenges that can impact the harvest.

Learning more about sustainable pest management

Pest management is an ongoing challenge within the agriculture industry, compounded by the need for more sustainable techniques to protect both the environment and quality of the crops.

During my trip, it was interesting to learn how Frutas Alhambra is integrating environmentally-friendly pest management techniques to protect its crops. This includes the use of “good” insects, such as Orius swirskii, to control pest populations. The company also focuses on optimising planting schedules and temperature management – helping to reduce the impact of pests.

Why quality control matters

While at the packhouses across the region, I observed how Frutas Alhambra is maintaining quality control procedures along the pack lines. I also followed the journey of produce, including courgettes, California peppers and cucumbers, as they were inspected, packed, and prepared for distribution to MWW – giving me a broader view of the supply chain process.

Investing for the future

Visits like this are a key part of our wider ambitions to invest in the future, both at home and overseas. Joining forces with partners such as Frutas Alhambra is just one of the ways we’re ensuring both MWW and our partners continue to thrive for generations to come.

I would like to say a huge thank you to Frutas Alhambra and QPI for hosting me during my visit to Spain and for giving me the opportunity to understand first-hand the processes involved in delivering fresh produce from farm to market.