A delegation of Brazilian inspectors has visited plum farms in the Spanish region of Extremadura, table grape growers in Alicante and blueberry plantations in Huelva. The goal was to verify compliance with the requirements established in the export protocols, currently being negotiated, for the opening of the Brazilian market to the export of these fruits. The Brazilian delegation was accompanied on its visit, which took place from November 9 to 13, by representatives of the General Sub-Directorate of Sanitary Agreements and Border Control of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
FEPEX has actively collaborated in this visit, working in coordination with integrated associations whose companies have shown interest in selling in Brazil: FEXPHAL (Alicante) and APOEXPA (Murcia) for table grapes; FRESHUELVA (Huelva) for blueberries and AFRUEX (Extremadura) for plums. In the latter case, the goal is the market's reopening, as Brazil, which absorbed most of the Spanish shipments, was unexpectedly closed this summer, causing significant damage to Extremadura's plum exporters.
According to data from the Department of Customs and Special Taxes, processed by FEPEX, Spanish plum exports in 2019 amounted to 94,223 tons; 32% more than in 2018. The value reached 92 million Euro (+6%). 50,074 tons and 47.5 million Euro corresponded to Extremadura.
The export of blueberries in 2019 totaled 68,478 tons (+18%) and generated 337.5 million Euro (+4%), Andalusia is the main exporter, with 59,014 tons and 293 million Euro, and the bulk comes from the province of Huelva, with 51,251 tons and 241 million Euro.
Regarding grapes, sales abroad in 2019 stood at 155,719 tons (-9%) worth 306.5 million Euro (-9%), with Murcia and the Region of Valencia being the main exporters. Table grape exports from Murcia in 2019 stood at 104,468 tons worth 212 million Euro, and those of the Region of Valencia amounted to 29,908 tons worth 58 million Euro.
Source: fepex.es