The prices of peppers and cucumbers produced in the greenhouses of Almeria have reached their highest levels in the campaign, according to the Prices and Markets Observatory of the Council of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development of the Government of Andalusia.
In week 5, the average price of all pepper varieties almost equalled that of the first week of the campaign, with 1.16 Euro per kilo.
In the case of cucumbers, the average price of all varieties has broken the campaign's record, reaching 0.71 Euro per kilo.
Cucumbers of the Almeria variety have come close to the record set in week 45 of 2015 (from 2 to 8 November). Between 1 and 7 February, the average price has stood at 0.68 Euro per kilo, the second highest price of the campaign after the 0.71 Euro/kilo reached between 2 and 8 November.
Peppers
In the first week of February, peppers have reached record prices. The supply of peppers has been significantly reduced this week, especially those of red bell peppers and the red Lamuyo, due to the limited product availability.
The pepper production curve shows a 10-15 day advance compared to last year due to the virtual absence of low temperatures in the autumn and winter.
Peppers continue in their productive transition towards the spring campaign. The majority of the first cycle plantations west of Almeria have already been harvested, which leads to lower product availability and higher prices.
Small and medium calibre yellow bell peppers are the most sought after at this time. The shortage is causing cooperatives to turn to the province's auctions to be able to meet their trade commitments, and the price at auction has increased significantly.
Green bell peppers have also registered a substantial increase in prices. Producers who opted for a single cycle preferred to harvest mostly red peppers, with a consequent reduction in the supply of green ones.
Cucumbers
There has been a new increase in cucumber prices, which have registered the most favourable prices so far in the campaign. The supply of Almeria cucumbers has gradually decreased with the end of the harvest of the early and intermediate transplants in Almeria and Granada, and prices have significantly improved compared to the last few weeks of January.
The Dutch cucumber production is still limited; however, in about 20 days, if the weather conditions are favourable, the Netherlands could have more significant volumes and exert more pressure over Almeria's production. In the Dutch greenhouses, heating systems are implemented across the board, not artificial light systems, with light being a limiting factor for the early productions.
Tomatoes
The start of February has been marked by a general reduction in the marketed volumes, which has resulted in an increase in the prices of all varieties.
On the vine tomatoes are the only ones with similar prices to those recorded in the previous week.
The long life and smooth varieties have registered the greatest reductions in supply volumes during this period, resulting in a proportionate increase in their prices.
In the region of Nijar, the harvest of short cycle tomatoes continues coming to a close. Most of the producers who opt for two cycles have already harvested the first one and the rest are expected to continue until early March, by which time they will start with a second watermelon cycle.
Tomatoes are currently one of the products facing the toughest competition in the international markets, especially the on the vine and long life varieties. In addition to the fierce competition of Moroccan exports, mainly when it comes to long life tomatoes, there are also Dutch imports from South America, the Dutch own production and the tomatoes coming from Israel and Turkey.
Courgettes
The price of courgettes has dropped to 0.30 €/kg in early February. There is very high supply and the mismatch between supply and demand will continue, if the weather conditions remain stable, until the end of February.
This week there will start to be a decrease in the production of the late autumn plantings.
Courgettes are a product in high demand across Europe and consumption is strong in countries like Great Britain, Germany and France, where it is a common ingredient for soups and creams.
Aubergines
Aubergine prices have dropped in the first week of February. The lower night temperatures have slowed down the product's harvest, but the supply of aubergines in Almeria remains significant.
Aubergines are grown in the winter months, almost exclusively in Western Almeria, with Almeria actually becoming Europe's main supplier during this period.
The product is not consumed regularly by Europeans, with the exception of Italy, and that is why moderate fluctuations in supply usually quickly affect the performance of prices at origin.
France is the main customer for Spanish aubergines, followed by Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. Further afield are the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Belgium and Portugal.
Green beans
There is stability in the prices of flat green beans and increases for the round ones.
The crops planted in the months of November and December become productive in February and will peak with the arrival of spring.
In Morocco, the second production cycle has also been carried out in November and December and will also start being harvested in February, reaching peak production volumes in March.
