The area cultivated with berries in the province of Huelva will remain practically stable in the 2026 season. According to estimates from Freshuelva, the total area will reach 12.388 hectares, which represents an increase of only 1% compared to the previous season.

For the association, this figure reflects the maturity of the sector and the consolidation of berries as one of the main agricultural and economic drivers of the province, rather than a phase of accelerated expansion like the one experienced in previous years.

Strawberries, blueberries and blackberries on the rise; raspberries holding steady

Strawberries remain the dominant crop. The planted area is expected to increase by 0,9%, reaching 6.490 hectares, maintaining Huelva's position as a key supplier to European markets. During the planting period, episodes of rain and wind damaged some greenhouse structures, requiring the replacement of some tunnels and coverings. Despite this, Freshuelva indicates that the vegetative delay has been slight and that the fruit will be available again in national and European markets during the Christmas holidays.

The area dedicated to raspberries remains virtually unchanged at 1.924 hectares. Blackberries, however, are gaining ground again, increasing by 2,4% to 172 hectares, driven by the introduction of new varieties adapted to different production cycles. This allows blackberries from Huelva to be available for much of the year and strengthens their market visibility.

Blueberries: Huelva's second largest berry and facing increased external competition

Blueberries are consolidating their position as the second most important berry in the province. A 1,5% increase in planted area is projected for 2026, reaching 3.802 hectares. Freshuelva highlights that varietal diversification is allowing for earlier harvests in December, improved quality, and better competition with South American offerings, as well as responding to growing domestic demand in Spain.

However, the association warns of increasingly strong competition from other origins. Countries like Morocco and Egypt have rapidly increased their blueberry acreage, and Portugal has also significantly increased its plantations, forcing Huelva to continue investing in innovation and efficiency to maintain its position in international markets.

Innovation and professionalization to sustain leadership

Freshuelva emphasizes that the slight increase in acreage should not be interpreted as stagnation, but rather as a commitment to productivity and professionalization over extensive expansion. The focus is on improving varieties, optimizing yields, and aligning production schedules with the most favorable market windows.

According to the association, the resilience shown in the face of recent weather events and the continuous effort in varietal innovation, productive efficiency and professional management will be key for Huelva berries to continue leading European supermarket shelves in a 2026 campaign marked by stable acreage, but also by greater competitive demands.