Spanish fresh fruit and vegetable imports in January and February 2016 grew by 22% in volume and 29% in value compared with the same months of the previous year, to a total of 480,107 tonnes and 367.5 million Euro, according to the latest data supplied by the Directorate General of Customs of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.
During those two months, vegetable imports grew by 23% in volume, reaching 269,511 tonnes, and by 33% in value, totalling 145 million Euro. The most noteworthy growth was recorded by potatoes, with 173,326 tonnes (+16%) worth 50 million Euro (+99%).
Fruit imports grew by 21% in volume, reaching 210,596 tonnes, and by 27% in value, to a total of 223 million Euro. Bananas, apples and pineapples were the most imported fruits.
Looking only at the month of February, fruit and vegetable imports stood at 244,854 tonnes (+26%) worth 188 million Euro (+33%). Vegetable imports in February amounted to 136,411 tonnes (+28%) worth 72 million Euro (+40%). Fruit imports totalled 108,443 tonnes (+24%) worth 116 million Euro (+29%).
According to FEPEX, the remarkable growth of imports in the first months of the year reflects the strength of the domestic demand for fresh fruit and vegetables.
