Fepex, representing the almond sector, praised the German retail group Edeka for its decision to sell Iberian almonds rather than Californian ones. This initiative aims to meet consumer demand for shorter transport distances and better sustainability, thereby boosting the value of European production, primarily from Spain and Portugal.
Edeka, in its magazine sections "Almonds made in Europe" and "Almonds from Europe: Simple and sustainable," states that it has chosen its new Herzstücke line, featuring almonds cultivated in Europe rather than California. It highlights that growing almonds in Spain and Portugal results in shorter transport distances and a smaller potential CO₂ footprint compared to imports from the USA. Additionally, "production within the European Union is subject to strict environmental and social standards, which promote transparency and strengthen consumer confidence." In 2023, Germany imported 101,000 tonnes of almonds, with 66% from the U.S. and 19% from Spain.
Fepex endorses this initiative as it showcases the importance of EU nut production, particularly almonds, mainly cultivated in Spain and Portugal. These almonds are known for their quality and adhere to the rigorous EU standards concerning labour, social, and environmental matters.
Fepex is also confident that other European supermarket chains will follow suit, promoting food sovereignty in the EU. This is one of the main strategies outlined by the European Commission in its many reports, draft regulations, communications, etc., but it has not yet been translated into concrete actions.
The almond sector within Fepex includes the Spanish Dried Fruit Association (AFSE) and Asociafruit, which represents more than 38,000 hectares of irrigated almond production in Andalusia.
In the 2024/2025 season, Spain produced 375,000 tons of in-shell almonds, making it the third-largest almond producer globally.
For more information:
Fepex
www.fepex.es
