Spain’s produce export sector grows in value as cucumbers and citrus thrive

In the first four months of 2025, Spain’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports reached €7.703 billion, marking a 10% rise in value compared to the same period in 2024. Total volume also grew modestly, up 2% to 4.6 million tonnes, according to data from the Spanish Department of Customs and Excise.

Vegetable shipments held steady at 2.5 million tonnes, showing only a slight dip of 0.3%, while earnings from this category jumped 10% to €4.069 billion. Exporters benefited from higher prices, particularly for cucumbers, lettuce, and cabbage, which saw growth in both quantity and revenue.

Cucumber exports rose 4% to 319,522 tonnes, generating €503 million — an impressive 22% increase in value. Lettuce followed with a 3% rise in volume to 400,660 tonnes and a 15% increase in earnings to €532 million. Cabbage exports also climbed 3% in volume and brought in €468 million, up 7%.

By contrast, peppers and tomatoes recorded volume losses. Pepper exports declined by 3% but still reached €898 million in value — a 17% gain. Tomato shipments fell sharply by 13% in volume but improved slightly in value to €593 million, a 2% increase.

Fruit exports experienced a better balance, with volumes up 4% to 2 million tonnes and values matching the 10% overall growth, totaling €3.633 billion. Oranges were the standout, rising 18% in volume to 700,338 tonnes and 13% in value to €647 million, maintaining their position as Spain’s most-exported fruit in this period.

Mandarins, lemons, and berries also played key roles, with strawberries exporting the same volume as last year — 199,136 tonnes — but earning €699 million, a 10% value increase due to stronger prices.

source: fepex.es

photo: telefonica.com