Strawberry production increased despite lower acreage

The production of the recently concluded 2015-2016 Huelva strawberry season has increased to 294,650 tons of a 2% compared to last season, although the hectares planted decreased by 8.7%. As for turnover, it has posted the 395.150.o00 euros, representing an increase of 8% over billings in the previous season. As a commercial point, noting that the quality of the Huelva strawberry has allowed it to stay in the market in May, despite competition from other European productions.

These data have been provided by the Association of Producers and Exporters of the Strawberry of Huelva, Freshuelva, which also reported that the strawberry campaign ended with an average price very similar to the last, 1.5% higher, according to statistical data provided by its associated companies.

As a significant point of this campaign to emphasize that the collection almost began one month ahead compared to other campaigns, due to a very mild climatological winter, favoring the quality of the fruit during the first months and a rate of optimal ripeness.

However, the behavior of strawberry in the markets and trading have been less favorable than in the same period last year, due to increased tonnage. However, from mid-February to March, consumption has picked up and prices were more in line with last year. It was late March and early April when there was the peak of production, coinciding with Easter, significantly lowering prices as so often in previous years.

During the month of May, the Huelva strawberry has competed in European markets with local strawberry from countries like France, Italy, UK, Germany or Belgium. Fortunately, the quality of the product offered has allowed to remain present in these markets throughout the month.

The heat of the first days of June has led to the end of the campaign gradually in the different producing regions, as high temperatures affect fruit quality and consistency.

The two main destinations for strawberry of Huelva remain Germany and France, with 30 and 20% of total exports, respectively, ranking UK third with 13%.

Other productions of berries

Raspberry production has grown by 10% this year, a total of 15,800 t, registering an increase of 10% over the previous season. The price of this berry has increased by 8.5%, while turnover has made 24%, with a total of 120,075,000 euros. In this case we must consider that the planted area has increased by 16% to reach 1,815 hectares.

The evolution of export of raspberry (almost 95% of its production) has been very consistent throughout the season, there being practically peaks and adapting production to demand. However, during the month of May and early June, due to the emergence of local production of the two main destination countries raspberry, UK and Germany, there was an accumulation of product and a great competition in the markets , which has led to a drop in prices at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, the campaign of blackberries and blueberries have not fully completed, although both have significantly risen berries production over last year, due to increased planted hectares.

PRODUCTO	PRODUCCIÓN	FACTURACIÓN	EXPORTACIÓN
Strawberry	294.650 tons	395 millions
Rapsberry	15.800 tons	120 millions
Blackberry	agricultural campaign	agricultural campaign	650 tons* (130 hectares planted)
Blueberry	agricultural campaign	agricultural campaign	17.800 tons* (1.953 hectares planted)

*Until May

Source: Freshuelva