Given the severe water shortage issues this year, many of Murcia's producers have been planting outside the region. They have shifted to higher areas such as Granada or Albacete, where in previous campaigns, at this time, there was relatively little production, because the market still had access to the last batches of broccoli from central and northern Europe.
According to industry sources, however, the lengthening of the summer season and the excessive concentration of the production, is currently causing sales not to be as lively ahead of the season's peak (in terms of volume), with lower prices than usual in markets like the UK, where domestic broccoli is still available.
Next week, the export season will kick off in the province of Murcia, which is Spain's, and Europe's, largest producing area during the autumn and winter months.
Broccoli, like other cruciferous vegetables, is a product with a growing consumer trend, especially in Europe, the United States and Canada. The main markets for Spanish broccoli are in the European Union, but the product is gradually expanding beyond its borders. The Middle East is becoming an important destination market in the summer months and agreements are being reached for annual programs.