Photo:ProChile

Photo: Proexport

Photo: DO KAKI DEL XUQUER

The value of Spanish fresh produce exports climbed 8% in the first eight months of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019, totalling €10.1 billion. However, in volume terms, they dropped 5% to 8.8 million tons, according to the latest data published by the Directorate General of Customs.

© Eurofresh Distribution

Signs have appeared indicating a slowdown in the strong growth of consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables registered during the pandemic, according to the latest data published by Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. In June, the increase in consumption was 11%, but in July it was down to 4.5%, compared to the same months of 2019. This marks a significant drop from the  growth registered during the lockdown, with demand surging by 40% in April and 22% in May. 

Spain registered a 16% drop in its export volumes of fresh produce during May, equivalent to a 5% fall in value, compared with May 2019. "According to Fepex, the marked decrease in fruit and vegetables exports in May was largely due to the increase in domestic consumption driven by the coronavirus and lockdown. Indeed, data from the Ministry of Agriculture showed that Spain's household consumption grew in May.

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Spanish households’ spending on fresh and processed fruit in April was 66.1% higher than for the same period last year, while the spend on vegetables was up 70.5%. This is the finding of a report published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food using data for the week beginning April 13th. While sales were up for all food categories, the fresh produce segment was the best performer. 

The Spanish government has confirmed its commitment to defending its farmers and called on the EU to do likewise. The country’s Minister of Agriculture Luis Planas met virtually with the professional organisations Upa, Coag and Asaja to discuss a plan to protect the country’s vital agricultural sector. The move follows a complaint by the provincial secretary of Coag, Andrés Gongora, regarding the sale of Senegal watermelons in supermarkets where local fruits are also available.

Tributes have been paid by Spain’s police divisions to the Mercabarna workers for the work they are doing to guarantee the food supply during these days of confinement of the population, due to the state of alarm by Covid19.

Anecoop shows solidarity amid pandemic: the company will donate 7.5 tonnes of fruit to those most affected by the crisis.