The drop in temperatures (which growers had been looking forward to) has already had a noticeable impact in Almeria's markets. The prices of all horticultural products have increased and this trend is expected to continue until Christmas.
Long cucumber prices have been ranging from 1.30 to 1.15 Euro; the French variety is sold for between 1.05 and 0.90 Euro per kilo, and the short black reaches initial prices of 0.95 Euro and closes the auctions at 0.80 Euro. In addition to the lower temperatures, it is worth noting that there have been numerous cases of viral diseases affecting long cucumber crops in some areas of western Almeria, where many growers are being forced to withdraw the plantations.
Courgette continues in its upward trend and is sold for between 1.30 and 1 Euro per kilo in the case of the thin variety, while the thick one ranges from 1.20 to 0.95 Euro. Long aubergines reach initial prices of 1.95 Euro and close the auctions at 1.70 Euro, while the striped one is initially sold for 1.80 Euro and falls to 1.60 Euro per kilo. These are record prices for the vegetable this campaign. Meanwhile, Strike green beans cost over 4.50 Euro, with final prices standing at 3.20 Euro; the Perona semi is sold for an average of 2.10 Euro and the Helda costs between 3 and 2.10 Euro.
Tomatoes have become more expensive this week, with the pear variety reaching the highest price, ranging from 1.10 to 0.90 Euro. Tomatoes on the vine cost between 0.88 and 0.75 Euro per kilo, and the long life reached initial prices of 0.90 Euro final ones of 0.74 Euro per kilo. In the case of peppers, the red Lamuyo is the most expensive, with prices oscillating between 1.90 and 1.65 Euro per kilo, while the green stands between 1.10 and 0.90 Euro per kilo. The green Italian costs an average of 0.74 Euro and the red stands at an average of 0.98 Euro per kilo. Red bell peppers cost an average of 1.20 Euro, green bell peppers are sold for between 1 and 0.92 Euro, and yellow bell peppers reach initial prices of 1.15 Euro and close the auctions at around 1 Euro per kilo.
At this time, large volumes of produce are starting to be shipped from Almeria, since until February it will be one of the European market's largest suppliers. Furthermore, the lower temperatures will help reduce the impact of pests, which have taken a huge toll on the crops while temperatures have stayed high.
Source: agronoticias.es