The Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberries from Huelva, Freshuelva, reported that the sector has completed the 2014-2015 season with a total production amounting to 288,660 tonnes, slightly higher than last year (+1%), even though the acreage was reduced by 9%. Turnover, meanwhile, totalled 355 million Euro; an increase of 20.70% compared to the previous season, which was ranked as the worst in recent years.
This increase in turnover has been due to the also higher average price obtained, 22% greater than last season, according to statistics provided by associated companies. Taking into account that last year prices dropped by 20% and turnover by 10.7%, it can be concluded that the current season has brought a return to levels similar to those of the 2012-2013 campaign.
Of the total strawberry harvest, around 78.5%, 226,660 tonnes, has been marketed for fresh consumption, while the remaining 21.5%, 62,000 tonnes, has gone to the processing industry. These volumes are similar to those registered last year when the harvest finished earlier than expected due to bad prices.
The quality of the fruit during the first quarter of the year has been magnificent, since the weather conditions have ensured a good and staged ripening. This has precisely been the cause for its better market performance.
However, in late March there was a production peak coinciding with Easter, which caused a considerable drop in prices, as has already happened in previous years.
During the month of May, Huelva's strawberries competed in the European markets with local strawberries from countries like France, Italy, the UK, Germany or Belgium. Luckily, the quality of the product offered allowed it to remain available in these markets for most of the month.
The heat in recent days has precipitated the end of the harvest season for fruit for fresh consumption, since high temperatures affect the quality and consistency.
Other berries
Huelva's raspberry production has totalled 14,480 tonnes; a 20% increase compared to the previous season. Of this, around 90 tonnes were allocated for industrial use. The price of this berry has dropped by 5%, which adds to the decline registered in the previous season; however, turnover has increased again, as it did last year, this time by 15.7%, totalling 90.3 million Euro.
During the first quarter, raspberry exports (95 percent of the production is shipped overseas) grew by around 35% compared to the same period of the previous year; however, during May and early June, due to the emergence of local production in the two main consuming countries of raspberries from Huelva (the UK and Germany), there was extra supply and competition in the markets, which led to a significant drop in prices.
Both the blueberry and blackberry harvest started in mid-March and their campaigns are still underway, although currently at a much lower pace.