Domestic sales of fruits and vegetables abroad have risen to 7,6 million tons, showing an increase of 9% in volume and 3% in value

La National export of strawberries and blueberries, which is mostly produced in the province of Huelva, grew by an average of 12% in the first seven months of the year compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 251.072 tonnes (+4%) in the case of strawberries, and 82.971 tonnes (+20%) in the case of blueberries, which in terms of economic value grew slightly less, just over 13%, reaching 767 million euros. 

In contrast, the value of strawberries, up to 527 million euros, represented an increase of 15% compared to 2023., according to data from the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX).

Overall, fruit exports rose by 9% to 4 million tons, with a value of 6.107 million euros (+7%) from January to July. In addition to the growth achieved by soft fruits, there is also a positive performance in stone fruit, such as nectarines, with 194.253 tonnes (+17%) and 305,5 million euros (+9%); flat peaches, with 124.680 tonnes (+21%) and 200 million euros (+21%); peaches, with 82.478 tonnes (+5%) and 127,5 million euros (+5%); apricots, with 83.593 tonnes (+30%) and 153 million euros (+22%) and cherries, with 37.311 tonnes (+18%) and 132 million euros (+1%); While plum sales fell by 8% in volume and 3% in value, standing at 33.066 tonnes and 57 million euros.

Watermelon and melon also showed an increase in export volume, 11% for watermelon, reaching 563.656 tonnes, and 9% for melon, reaching 238.467 tonnes. In terms of value, watermelon decreased by 1%, totalling 395 million euros, and increased by 7% in the case of value, reaching 235 million euros.

As for vegetables, exports have reached 3,6 million tons. (+9%) and 5.103 million euros (-1%), with peppers being the main vegetable sold abroad, with 512.837 tonnes (+15%) and 1 million euros, the same value as the previous year, followed by tomatoes, with 468.144 tonnes (+19%) and 725 million euros (-10%) and in third place lettuce, with 464.501 tonnes (+4%) and 563 million euros (-5%).

Also notable for their strong export volumes were cabbage, with 388.760 tonnes (+9%) and 567 million euros (+4%), cucumber, with 380.542 tonnes (+4%) and 511 million euros (-12%), courgette, with 256.050 tonnes (+5%) and 309 million euros (+10%) and onion, with 169.584 tonnes (+6,5%) and 117 million euros (-21%).

The Spanish fruit import market, for its part, decreased in volume by 6%. (falling back to 1,3 million tonnes), but grew by 7% in value, amounting to 1.973 billion euros. Banana, avocado, orange and apple are the most imported, but while the import of banana, orange and apple has decreased, the import of avocado has grown strongly, with 146.846 tonnes (+4%) and 345 million euros (+13%), according to data from the Department of Customs and Excise, processed by FEPEX.