The production of lettuce and broccoli is growing week after week in the main producing areas of Murcia. Everything is ready to export significant volumes to European markets, although sales are still hampered by the availability of local produce at destination. The transition from the central European production to the Spanish one is still difficult.
"The start of our exports to Europe has been delayed for three weeks compared to previous campaigns," affirms Domingo Llamas, president of Hoyamar. "France, Germany, Poland and Italy, among other countries, still have local production due to their good weather conditions during September and October. Until temperatures fall further and the quality of their vegetables worsens, they won't need ours," he explains.
"It is not a good sign to start the campaign like this. We hope that the situation will change from next week or the one after that."
Iceberg lettuce goes into decline
According to the producer and exporter, the golden age of iceberg lettuce has been left behind and its future is looking grim. "The consumption of iceberg lettuce continues to fall every year in favour of new lettuce varieties. Moreover, changes in the climate and problems in the water supply are also taking a toll on the quality of this variety, encouraging growers to switch to a different product."