WASHINGTON: The earlier start of Huelva’s strawberry campaign has had a clear impact on exports, which have soared during the first months of the production period, growing by 133%. This increase in the supply of strawberries in both European and non-European markets has caused prices to be reduced by half compared to the previous campaign, raising concerns in Huelva’s strawberry sector for fear of them not recovering.
Fortunately for producers, prices recovered at the end of February, and the bottleneck that usually happens during the Easter holidays, due to the milder temperatures, was also saved, as reported by Freshuelva manager Rafael Domínguez. “This year, demand and supply during Easter have been balanced by a number of factors, including the fact that the weather has changed and kept production under control both here and in Europe,” explained Domínguez.
The latest report of the Prices and Markets Observatory of the Andalusian Government points to a 133% increase in Andalusian strawberry exports; in absolute terms, the export volume has gone from 8,482 tonnes between the months of December and January last season to 20,247 tonnes this year.
The value of these exports has also increased (by 27%); a clear consequence of the greater volume of goods exported, since the price per kilo has fallen by almost half, standing at 2.41 €/kilo, compared to the 4.35 €/kilo reached in the same period last season.
Producers are now placing their hopes on the second week of April, when the greatest increase in demand is expected due to the spring temperatures expected across Europe. “The period between 10 and 15 April will be a high point of the campaign,” pointed out the manager of Freshuelva.
He added, however, that things could also become difficult for strawberries, as other fruits, like Jerte Valley cherries and other stone fruits, have also arrived earlier and will be directly competing with Huelva’s strawberries. Despite the lower prices during the first part of the season, Rafael Domínguez has said to be satisfied with the start of the campaign thanks to the significant volume obtained.
