The sudden drop in temperatures in Spain starting the third week of January has significantly slowed down the production of brassicas and leafy vegetables to the point of almost paralyzing them in the main producing areas, such as the Region of Murcia, the north of Almeria, and the south of Alicante.
“The productions had been sped up by the unusual heat during the months of November and December. The arrival of the cold has slowed the development of broccoli and cauliflower crops, and leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, escarole or celery, among others,” stated Felipe Lopez, commercial director of the Gregal cooperative from Murcia.
“There have also been frosts that have damaged part of the production. The damage is somewhat mild and affected the artichoke crops to a greater extent. The real problem is the slowdown in crops,” he added.
“Demand was not very buoyant, but supply has been notably scarcer for a week now and we are unable to meet all orders. In addition to reducing production, the cold has also forced supermarket chains to adapt to the circumstances and change the size and weight specifications of the products, as they have decreased,” Felipe stated.
As demand is above supply, prices have risen and are expected to continue experiencing an upward trend in the coming weeks. “We do what we can in the fields to be able to supply the markets, but it is a complicated thing to do as night temperatures fall down to 0ºC and day temperatures range between 8 and 9ºC. I think the production gap of brassicas and leafy vegetables could last until the beginning or even until mid-March in Europe since the north of Almeria, Murcia, and the south of Alicante are the main producing areas with a difference in the winter months.”
For more information:
Felipe López
Gregal
Carril Los Pérez, S/N
30700 Torre Pacheco. Murcia. España
T: +34 968 58 55 56
felipe.lopez@gregal.es
www.gregal.com