Crossing the Atlantic has become an attractive option for Huelva's berry sector, as stated by the manager of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberries of Huelva, Freshuelva, Rafael Dominguez, within the framework of Fruit Logistica 2022, the most important fair in the fruit and vegetable sector, which was held last week in Berlin and was attended by Extenda.
"We are no longer thinking about shipping our products to countries in the east. It's become too complicated, so we'll have to cross the Atlantic. "We have opened the Brazilian market, we are trying open the Canadian market, and the next option would be China. We are going to try it to see if it's possible," he added.
Andalusian berries seek to expand their exports after having set a sales record in 2021. According to Extenda data, in 2021 Andalusia's berry exports amounted to 1,405 million, i.e. 16.3% more than in the previous year. Huelva accounted for 88% of all berry exports, which translates to 1,232 million in 2021, i.e. 12.2% more than in 2020.
Dominguez hopes that despite the climatic adversities there were in the first months of 2022, they can maintain this level of exports. "We have a good feeling and think the markets are behaving well," he stated. "In April and May, which are important months, we'll find out if it's possible our production rebounds and we can reach the markets well," he said.
Source: lavanguardia.com