Do you use pesticides?

We want our fruit to taste as good to our customers as if it had just been freshly picked. That’s why we have very strict quality guidelines – from sowing all the way through to delivery to the supermarket. Our growers also aim to grow as naturally as possible. We regularly prune trees and plants and thin them out by hand to be sure the plants get enough light and air. This is important for the longevity of the plant, its health and thus its defence against diseases. And of course, this also ensures splendid, delicious fruits (the traditional mechanical method).

A mix of dry and humid weather is the best basis for healthy and resistant trees and shrubs, developing a natural protection against many pests and diseases.

Of course, we do not always have this ideal weather, and periods of drought or even heavy rain and excessive humidity can stress and weaken the plants and make them susceptible to pests and diseases. However, if the plants are strong but infested by pests, we use natural predators (the biological method).

However, this deployment is only carried out on the basis of economically and ecologically justifi able threshold values. SanLucar Master Growers assess the use of chemical agents according to very strict criteria. Together with the quality technicians that work with the Master Growers, we control the use of plant protection products.

Over time, the chemical residues volatilize. Before we harvest, we check our fruit to see if there are any residues left, and only if these are below the legally prescribed limits will we harvest. Our fruits have also been awarded several times with »Very Good« by well-known consumer protection organizations such as ÖKO-TEST.

This form of integrated, organic cultivation protects the environment and creates the optimal growing conditions for our fruit, so it achieves the best flavour and plenty of good nutrients.