Strawberry and raspberry production in Huelva falls by 9 and 15% while blueberry production increases by 10%

19/07/2024

The Association of Strawberry Producers and Exporters of Huelva, Freshuelva, has reported that the sector has completed the 2023-2024 campaign with a total production of 221.412 tons of strawberries, which represents a decrease of 9% compared to the last campaign, according to the data provided by the associated companies.

These figures reflect a very complex campaign for strawberries, with a first phase of irrigation restrictions, derived from a persistent drought, which affected the development of the plant, which resulted in a decrease in production of 9% overall and a slight increase in prices with respect to the last season. The rains in March allowed the campaign to be completed, although the subsequent heat in May reduced export possibilities due to the condition of the fruit.

For its part, the campaign raspberry It ended with a production of 40.288 tons, which represents a decrease of 15% compared to the previous campaign.

The planted area has been significantly reduced compared to the last campaign due to the great competition from third countries such as Morocco, which Freshuelva has been denouncing year after year before the EU, considering that Europe should establish an entry tariff to third countries in these cases, as well as how to demand compliance with mirror clauses. This situation is causing the loss of profitability of the crop and has caused a lower supply of merchandise, so marketing has been carried out correctly throughout the collection period.

On the contrary, the blueberry campaign has resulted in an increase in production of 10% and a total of 58.509 tons produced. Finally, a greater tonnage has been recorded because young plantations have entered into production this year and, in addition, the campaign period has been lengthened since there are early varieties that allow for blueberries from the beginning of the year until July.

Por último, la blackberry production It remains stable at around 2.000 tons, specifically 2.135, similar figures to the previous campaign, although with a slight rebound of 0,5%. A stability that is marked thanks to the fact that this crop has varieties that allow production practically from January to December.

Export value

The lower production of strawberries has been accompanied, however, by an increase in the valuation of exports, so that until the month of May there was an increase of 8% compared to the same period of the previous year with exports valued at more than 616 million euros.

In the case of blueberries, the increase in the value of exports rose to 6% with exports valued at more than 231,6 million euros.

On the contrary, raspberry exports Until the month of May they had a value of almost 207 million euros, which represents a decrease of 7% compared to the previous campaign, while those in arrears have also fallen by 5,90%, with a total of 13,5 millions of euros.

Germany and United Kingdom They continue to be the main destination countries for Huelva red fruits, since, in the case of strawberries and despite Brexit, British imports have surpassed French imports, which are in third place. The Netherlands, in the case of raspberries and blueberries, is the third destination for sales of Huelva berries.

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