The Region of Murcia is the largest artichoke exporter in Spain, with 5,241 tons between January and July 2022, accounting for almost 30% of all Spanish artichoke exports. Murcia achieved this by doubling the number of tons it sells mainly in the markets of France, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.
The region is also the leading producer of artichoke in Spain with 91,858 tons (more than 40% of the total), far ahead of the Valencian Community, Andalusia, Navarra, and Catalonia.
“The volume we've exported in the first six months of the year alone is already 40% higher than the volume exported in all of 2021. The Autonomous Community of Murcia leads exports, although most of the artichoke is for national consumption," stated the Minister of Water, Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, Environment, and Emergencies, Antonio Luengo, during a visit to a Soltir farm during the artichoke harvest campaign.
The majority of the local artichoke belongs to the Blanca de Tudela variety, with green heads planted by cuttings, and the Morada variety is little more than a token crop. The Region of Murcia has the largest cultivation area in Spain, with 6,335 hectares in 2021 (13% more than the previous year). It also leads production with close to 92,000 tons (10% more). 60% of all artichokes harvested are destined for industrial canning.
More than 60% of the artichoke cultivation area in the Region is located in the Guadalentin region. Lorca is the municipality with the most area (2,965 hectares), followed by Totana with 578 hectares. The countryside of Cartagena is the second artichoke growing area in the region, and more specifically Torre Pacheco, with 910 hectares.
“The climate in the Region of Murcia is ideal for growing artichokes, which are planted in summer and harvested between October and April. The quality of our artichokes is internationally recognized and that is why they are exported to the European Union. It is the destination for the largest calibers. The domestic market mainly demands the smallest calibers, which account for 70% of the total production,” added Antonio Luengo.
Source: carm.es