Fruit and vegetable exports to Switzerland increase by 13%

Switzerland, together with Norway, Brazil and Canada lead the ranking of major non-EU destinations in terms of fruit and vegetable exports, with significant growth in Switzerland, 13% in volume and 15% in value.

The Spanish export of fresh fruits and vegetables to non-EU countries stood at 762,699 tons and 855 million euros from January to October 2019, representing an increase of 28% in volume and 22% in value in relation to the same period from the previous year, representing 7% of the total exported volume and 8% of the value.

Within the non-EU countries, two groups are distinguished: non-EU European countries, where 258,880 tons were exported, 13% more and 333 million euros, 12% more, with Switzerland and Norway being the first destinations. And non-European countries, with sales of 512,779 tons (+ 36%) and 522 million euros (+ 30%). Sales to the EU rose to 10.7 million tons, 9% more and 10,857 million euros, 5% more.

The remarkable growth of non-EU exports has been due to the increase in what is traditionally the first non-EU market for Spanish fruits and vegetables, Switzerland, where 138,209 tons were sold, 13% more, worth 208 million euros, 15% more, reinforcing the importance of the European market for the Spanish sector. It has also been due to the increase in sales in certain third countries, especially Brazil and Canada, according to FEPEX. Exports to Brazil in the analyzed period rose to 92,148 tons and 84.7 million euros, 66% more and 53% more respectively. Exports to Canada totaled 57,138 tons (+ 18%) for a value of 59.4 million euros (+ 7%).