Andalusia is the only region in Europe producing tropical fruits thanks to the subtropical climate of the coast of Granada and Malaga, as well as to the commitment to the sector from growers in these provinces, motivated by Europe's high demand for tropical products. Malaga produces around 73,000 tonnes of avocados, while Granada grows approximately 50,000 tonnes of cherimoyas.
The area has 16,000 hectares devoted to tropical fruits and much of the production is intended for export to Europe, since the proximity of these markets allows for a longer ripening on the tree, which ensures a higher quality.
The main destination for the tropical fruits grown in Andalusia is the EU. About 70% of the avocados are shipped to foreign markets. Andalusia exports an average of 57,000 tonnes of avocados, mainly to France, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK, where its higher quality and better flavour are appreciated.
The volume of mangoes exported is also noteworthy, as around 16,000 tonnes are shipped to France, Germany and the UK.
Cherimoyas, however, are mainly sold in the domestic market, with a share of between 80 and 90% of the annual production. The characteristics of this fruit and its fragility have prevented it from being shipped far from the producing areas, although the sector has conducted actions to promote its consumption and showcase its quality, such as the ones organised by the PDO "Chirimoya de la Costa Tropical de Granada-Málaga".
Tropicals in Andalusia
There is a wide range of tropical fruits, although the most prominent crops in Andalusia are avocados, cherimoyas, mangoes and loquats. Avocados are the most widespread and take 9,400 hectares, 9,000 of which in the provinces of Granada and Malaga. Andalusia's annual avocado production amounts to around 73,000 tonnes. It is worth noting that the province accounts for 87% of Spain's entire acreage.
Cherimoyas are second in terms of acreage and production volume. This crop takes about 3,000 hectares, most of which in the Costa Tropical of Granada, and the annual production amounts to 50,000 tonnes.
Mango cultivation concentrates in Malaga, which devotes about 2,200 hectares to the crop. The fruit's cultivation has been booming and in recent years the acreage has grown by 36%. For loquats, Granada is the leading producer with 815 hectares and 9,789 tonnes.
One of the characteristics of tropical fruit farms in Andalusia is their size. Most of them, accounting for 45% of the acreage, are holdings of less than 5 hectares. The grouping into cooperatives or processing companies, which bring producers into the value chain, are still a minority in this sector and account for 19% of the total.