The Spanish region of Andalusia accounts for 99% of the total cherimoya acreage nationwide, with more than 3,100 hectares; a figure that has remained virtually stable in recent years, according to data from the Council of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development. 92% of the crops concentrate in the Costa Tropical of Granada, with another 7% in Malaga. Cherimoya prices are subject to the fruit's seasonality, with the peak in productivity recorded between October and November, when prices fall sharply.
From December onwards, prices recover again and do so until the end of season, although sales volumes are lower. Currently, the campaign lasts until the end of May. Worthy to note is the Protected Designation of Origin 'Chirimoya de la Costa Tropical de Granada-Málaga', which covers the municipalities of Motril, Vélez de Benaudalla, Los Guájares, Itrabo, Molvízar, Salobreña, Almuñecar, Jete, Lentejí and Otivar in the province of Granada and Nerja, Frigiliana, Torrox, Algarrobo and Vélez-Málaga in the province of Malaga.
In 2014, Andalusia had a total of 3,134 hectares and produced 44,475 tonnes of cherimoyas, compared to 22,931 tonnes and 3,237 hectares ten years ago.
Meanwhile, avocados are still the most widespread crop in subtropical Andalusia, with an area of about 9,500 hectares, which is more than 87% of Spain's total acreage. Although present in all Andalusian provinces, its distribution is very uneven. The most representative are Malaga, with 68%, and Granada, with 28%.
The avocados grown in Andalusia are mainly intended for the export market, which absorbs between 60 and 70% of the volume distributed. The fruit's main destination is the European Union.
