The Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberry from Huelva, Freshuelva, indicated that the 2012-2013 season has come to an end with a total production of 274,800 tons of strawberry, 10 percent less than in the previous season. This decline in production has also led to a 20 percent drop in the total turnover of the red fruit sector, with 315.6 million Euro, while the average price of strawberries this season has fallen by 14 percent, according to statistics provided by the member companies.
About 67.6% of all the strawberries that were harvested was marketed for fresh consumption, a total of 185,000 tons, and the remaining 32.3%, some 89,000 tons, were marketed for processing, a 17% increase for this destination. Marketed fresh production fell 18 percent from the 2011 campaign.
This data has not met the sector's initial expectations that, with a total of 6,830 hectares, had 6.7% more hectares than last year. The reason: the weather throughout Winter which affected harvests in the months of January through April. The humidity and rains caused a fall in fruit volumes that has been ongoing throughout the campaign, as well as difficulties in harvesting fruit that were appropriate for export, the increase of the production destined for the market, and the resulting variations in prices.
As for the rest of red fruits. The production of raspberries amounted to 10,550 tons, 5% less than in the previous year; 150 tons of which were earmarked for processing. The price of this berry increased 2 percent. Turnover, 69.5 million Euro, was 2% less than in the previous season.
The collection of both blueberries and blackberries started in April and harvesting is still going on, although at a much slower pace. So far both products have had a similar behaviour pattern to last year, given that its production has not been as affected by the bad weather. These two berries have gained prominence this campaign since their surface has increased. Blueberries have more than 900 hectares and the blackberries some 60.
| PRODUCTS | PRODUCTION | TURNOVER |
| Strawberry | 274,800 tons | 315.6 million |
| Raspberry | 10,550 tons | 69.5 million |
| Blackberry | In campaign | In campaign |
| Blueberry | In campaign | In campaign |
