LISBON: The raspberry was the second most important Portuguese fruit export by value in 2014 and attained export revenues of €64 million according to a recent study by Pedro Brás de Oliveira, of the National Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Research. Raspberries climb to second highest in Portuguese fruit exports
The study sets out the strategic framework for the 2014-2020 period and begins by highlighting how “small fruits are in fashion” with the raspberry termed the ‘queen’ of this success. The report also shows how Portugal has steadily progressed in this sector with the amount of land under berry cultivation in the 1980s ranked as insignificant contrasting with the expansion to 1,300 hectares in 2013 which has driven an annualized doubling in export revenues, with the €64 million in raspberry export revenues coming in behind only the long established pear export market valued at €88 million in 2013.
“Madureira Simões said the company accounted for €50 million in berry exports in 2014 and its production network ensured some 3,500 direct jobs and itself represents a major employer.
