According to data from the Department of Customs and Excise of the Ministry of Economy, and processed by FEPEX, Spanish imports of fresh fruit and vegetables from January to September 2013 increased by 1% in volume and 21% in value when compared to the same period of 2012; a total of 1.7 million tonnes and 1,249 million of Euro respectively.
Fruit imports amounted to 927,833 tonnes (+3%) worth 843 million Euro (+17%). The most imported fruit by Spain was the apple with 162,902 tonnes (+6%) worth 162 million Euro (+36%).
Vegetable imports stood at 796,410 tonnes (-1.5%) worth 406.5 million Euro (+29%). The main imports of vegetables were of potatoes with 480,719 tonnes (-7%) and 174 million Euro (+87%), followed by green beans with 68,385 tonnes (+14%) and 64 million Euro (+18%).
According to FEPEX, the evolution of the import data up to September highlights the growing difficulties in the Spanish production of certain fruits and vegetables and the need to improve their competitiveness. These productions are, in the case of fruits, pears and apples, which, up to September, have had imports that have increased in value by 63% and 36% respectively. In the case of vegetables, these difficulties affect extensive production, such as potatoes and carrots, as well as intensive productions, as in the case of green beans.