Spanish fruit and vegetable exports up to October 2015 increased by 7% in volume and by 14% in value compared to the same period of 2014, reaching a total of 10 million tonnes and 9,477 million Euro, according to the latest data updated by the Directorate General of Customs of the Ministry of Economy. FEPEX expects 2015 to have concluded with a similar increase, reflecting the recovery in demand in the EU market and the growth of products with higher added value.
The volume exported in 2015 will grow by between 5% and 7%, surpassing 13 million tonnes, and the value will increase by more than 10%, exceeding 13,000 million Euro, according to prospects by FEPEX. They highlighted the strong growth of products which until now were not as relevant, such as berries. The growth is also attributable to the good performance of demand in the EU as a whole, which is the natural market for the Spanish sector, with growth up until October totalling 17% in Germany and 15% in France and the UK.
Looking at 2016, the sector has significant challenges ahead, such as the distortions of competition between the various producers of fruits and vegetables in the EU, since all producing Member States have included this sector in the direct payments scheme, against the exclusion approved in Spain. The Russian veto, in force since 7 August 2014, is another of the outstanding issues for 2016, as it used to be the largest non-EU destination of Spanish horticultural exports.
In 2016, the sector members grouped into FEPEX expect to keep growing at the same pace as in 2015, based on the recovery of the European market and the opening of new markets. The strengthening of the international fair of fruits and vegetables, FRUIT ATTRACTION, to be held for the eighth time between 5 and 7 Octover, will be the main measure to ensure the sector's promotion.
