SONADER prepares a pilot project for the production of red fruits in Mauritania
The National Society for Rural Development (SONADER) is preparing to launch a pilot project for the production of red fruits in Mauritania in collaboration with the Cuna de Platero Cooperative in Spain.
In this regard, a high-level delegation from the Cuna de Platero Cooperative in Spain, the second largest producer of berries in Europe, made a working visit to Mauritania from 18 to 20 November 2025, as part of the preparations for the launch of a national pilot project for berry production in Mauritanian territory, at the invitation of SONADER.
The Spanish delegation was led by Francisco Gómez Macías, president of the Cooperativa Cuna de Platero, accompanied by executive director Juan Báñez Álvarez, technical director Jesús María Sánchez Conde and research and development director Francisco del Rosal García.
This visit was the result of previous work carried out during the meeting held by the Director General of SONADER, Hamada Didi Sid' Ahmed, with the heads of the Cooperative on the occasion of the Fruit Attraction 2025 fair in Madrid in September and October 2025.
This was in addition to SONADER's previous visit last April to the Spanish region of Huelva, an important enclave in terms of red fruit production, where the company's delegation gained first-hand experience of modern production, refrigeration, packaging and international supply chain techniques in Spain.
This initiative is also part of SONADER's new strategy aimed at attracting international partnerships and promoting quality agricultural investments, with the aim of strengthening the capacity of domestic products to access regional and international markets in accordance with quality and competitiveness standards.
Red fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, are becoming increasingly important in global markets due to growing international demand, as well as their high value within agricultural value chains.
This sector can help diversify Mauritanian agricultural production by adding value to the African country's agricultural industry.
These fruits stand out for their exceptional nutritional and health value, as they are among the richest natural sources of antioxidants, vitamins and fibre, which gives them a fundamental role in preventing chronic diseases, strengthening the immune system and supporting cardiovascular health. All of this consolidates their position among the most competitive and attractive products on international markets.
The Spanish delegation's visit also included direct inspections of the land, analysis of water and soil quality, and identification of the technical, technological and logistical requirements necessary to ensure the success of the pilot project.
Mauritania seeks to develop its red fruit industry thanks to this collaboration with a major player in the sector in both Spain and Europe.
