Strong growth in exports of fruit and vegetables

During the first quarter of 2011, Spanish exports of fruits and vegetables have increased by 18% in volume and 7% in value compared to last year.

These exports totaled 3.1 million tons and 2.813 million euros. The strong performance of key markets like France and Germany and the recovery of consumption in the European Union have led to this improvement.

The export of vegetables has increased 15% in volume and 1.5% in value, reaching 1.5 million tonnes and € 1,477,000. The major exported vegetables were: tomatoes, 393,119 tons (+20%) and lettuces, 258,096 tons (+18%).

Fruit exports totaled 1.6 million tons (+22%) worth 1,336 million euros (+13.5%). After citrus fruits, the most exported fruit was strawberries with 76,642 tons (+55%). Countries of destination: Germany received 754,153 tons (+19%), France 563,221 tons (+18%) and the UK 396,067 tons (+12%). The largest gain comes from exports to Poland, which recorded a 46% increase compared to last year with 208,030 tons.