Between September 2012 and August 2013, Almeria exported a little over 2.45 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables; 1% more than last season. The revenue generated surpassed the 2,200 million Euro, which represents a 12.3% increase, according to data elaborated by the Territorial Delegation of the Council of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development from the latest ICEX report.
Melons and watermelons reached the best results, with more than 321,000 tonnes exported; 3.7% more than in the 2011/2012 campaign. The revenue generated was around 200 million Euro, which represents a 24.5% increase.
Meanwhile, vegetable exports surpassed 2.1 million tonnes, which is a very similar figure to last season's (+0.14%). From these sales, Almeria's companies made a total of 2 million Euro, which is almost 11% more than last year.
The best months in terms of revenue were December 2012 (275 million Euro) and January 2013 (288 million). For their part, fruit sales reached their peak in May (almost 65 million Euro) and June (63.3 million) this year.
Almost 40% of Spain's vegetable exports shipped from Almeria
According to the territorial delegate of the Council of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, José Manuel Ortiz, Almeria was the largest contributor to Spanish vegetable sales overseas during the first eight months of 2013, with approximately 38.3% of the country's total, followed by Murcia, with 24.4%. In the case of fruit exports, the province was the fifth largest contributor, with a 7.5% share. Huelva, Murcia, Valencia and Lleida took the first four spots.
Between January and August 2013, nine out of the ten main products exported by the province were horticultural. Tomatoes accounted for 20.2%, followed by peppers with 17.8%, cucumbers (11.8%), courgettes (7.3%), and finally, with smaller percentages, watermelons, aubergines, melons and lettuce.
Almost 30% of the vegetables imported by Germany
Within this period, the main destination for Almeria's fruits and vegetables was Germany. In the case of vegetables, the German market acquired almost 30% of the total, while for fruits this percentage is as high as 37%. France, the second largest customer, imported 14.65% of the vegetables and 14.8% of the fruits, while the Netherlands consolidates as the third largest destination, with 13.6% of the vegetables and 11.55% of the fruits. The United Kingdom and Italy were the fourth and fifth largest importers for both fruits and vegetables, while Poland became the sixth greatest client (4.4%), followed by Sweden (2.8%).
Within this period, the main destination for Almeria's fruits and vegetables was Germany. In the case of vegetables, the German market acquired almost 30% of the total, while for fruits this percentage is as high as 37%. France, the second largest customer, imported 14.65% of the vegetables and 14.8% of the fruits, while the Netherlands consolidates as the third largest destination, with 13.6% of the vegetables and 11.55% of the fruits. The United Kingdom and Italy were the fourth and fifth largest importers for both fruits and vegetables, while Poland became the sixth greatest client (4.4%), followed by Sweden (2.8%).
Source: fhalmeria.com