Eroski to exclusively market Freson de Palos' certified sustainable strawberries

Eroski will market exclusively in Spain Freson de Palos' new line of sustainably produced strawberries with Zerya certification. This is the agricultural cooperative's first production of strawberries without any chemical treatment in the fields surrounding the Doñana National Park, near the marshes and the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

The fields selected to start the production of strawberry that is free of chemical additives have sandy soils over chalky limestone, geological conditions that, coupled with a mild climate and abundant water, constitute the ideal characteristics for the new more sustainable cultivation techniques.

"Our new sustainable strawberry production reinforces and innovates on the traditional know-how of the cultivation of strawberries in Palos de la Frontera, using beneficial insects to control pests," says Vicente Jimenez, CEO of Freson de Palos. "It's our way of catering to the consumer that is increasingly sensitized to food security, sustainability of production systems and environmental impact of their consumption," he added.

Eroski plans to market more than 3,000 tons of Freson de Palos' sustainable strawberries during the campaign that starts this month and lasts until summer, exclusively in the Eroski and CAPRABO supermarkets. "Offering Palos' sustainable strawberries is another step Eroski takes in its commitment to offer a healthier and environmentally friendly food," stated Ana Isabel Cuevas, director of Eroski's fresh food area.

Commitment to SMEs
The collaboration between Eroski and the Sta. Maria de La Rabida Cooperative Society dates back to more than ten years and is part of the SME-Eroski Commitments Program, which seeks to encourage business relationships with small local producers to support their professionalism and boost their business growth.

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