Between January and August, Spain imported 2.4 million tons of fruits and vegetables for 2,404 million euros, i.e., 5.5% more volume and 11% more value than in the same period of the previous year.
The increase in imports has been driven by vegetables, which have grown by 14% in volume and 27% in value, totaling 1.1 million tons and 714 million euros in the period analyzed. Potato accounts for 58% of the total, with 658,457 tons (+17%) and 207 million euro (+43%). The country also increased its tomato and pepper imports, as it imported 114,941 tons of tomatoes (+15%) worth 126 million euros (+30%) and 56,222 tons of peppers (+13%) for 63 million euros (+47%).
Meanwhile, the country imported 1.3 million tons of fruit, i.e., 0.4% less than in the same period of last year, for 1,690 million euros, i.e., 5% more.
Bananas, pineapples, and apples are the most traditionally imported fruits, with 255,784 tons, 101,000 tons, and 128,000 tons, respectively, between January and August. In recent years, however, purchases of watermelon and avocado have risen. In the analyzed period, Spanish watermelon purchases increased strongly, amounting to 144.712 tons (+30%) for 96,3 million euros (+51%), while avocado imports stood at 130.599 tons and 240 million euros, i.e., 6% less volume and a 13% less value than in the same period of the previous year.
The average price of imported vegetables has increased by 11%, going from 0.56 euro/kilo to 0.6 euro/kilo. According to data from the Department of Customs and Excise of the Tax Agency processed by FEPEX, the average price of fruits increased by 6%, going from 1.20 euro/kilo last year to 1.27 euro/kilos this year.
Source: fepex.es