There were slight issues with oversupply at the beginning of week 14 as a consequence of the markets' closure due to the Easter holidays and an increase in production. Additionally, some of the fruit did not reach the usual quality standards for Huelva's strawberries due to unfavourable weather conditions.
In Europe, bad weather also persists, so the fruit's consumption is still unappealing.
As a consequence of all this, the week was marked by new falls in strawberry prices, with growers receiving between 0.50 and 0.70 Euro/kg, with the highest prices being for the top quality strawberries shipped to far destinations, such as Sweden or Denmark.
At French wholesaler markets, first class strawberries have oscillated over the past two weeks between the 0.90 Euro/kg of Perpignan and the 2.00 Euro/kg of Toulouse, for the 250 and 500 gram containers.
At London's wholesaler market, Huelva's strawberries stood at around 1.41 Euro/kg. At Mercamadrid, the average price was of 0.87 Euro/kg.
The Interprofessional Association of Andalusian Strawberry (Interfresa) is currently recommending Huelva's growers to destine 40% of their current production to alternatives to fresh consumption due to the low prices paid. A series of meetings are taking place to analyse the effects of the rains and moisture on the plantations, as well as to find alternatives to fresh trade when strawberries do not reach the minimum quality requirements.
