The delegate of the Government in the Valencian Community, Pilar Bernabé, has inaugurated the 15th Christmas Fair of Xixona together with the mayor of the city, Isabel López.
In this act the delegate has highlighted “the sensitivity and commitment of the Government of Spain” with all those sectors that participate in the Fair, among them, those of the production of turrón. Thus, the Government of Spain “aware of the difficulties that arise in production”, has established aid of 81 M€ for fruit and shell producers. Of these, almost 13 M€ are for the Valencian Community. These grants will begin to be paid during this month.
As for honey, “its value transcends the economic, since beekeeping is fundamental for the conservation of the natural environment.” The delegate recalled that “the Government approved last July the Plan of Reinforced Control of the Quality of Honey for the 2023 campaign, to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of inspections.”
In addition, said the delegate, the turronero sector “needs manpower and generational relief to last over time. For this reason, “an attractive and quality training offer is necessary through Dual Vocational Training, with the essential incorporation of the turrón companies”. Bernabé recalled that 2022 was “a very good year for the nougat industry with record turnover, its exports reached €67M and employment increased by 10%”.
Bernabé highlighted that the Xixona Christmas Fair, with more than 100 exhibitors of native products, is “a reference of Christmas and gastronomic tourism, economic engine of the province of Alicante and the Valencian Community”.