Spain has led European production of broccoli and cauliflower since 2002

With a broccoli and cauliflower harvest of 450,100 tons in 2007, Spain continues to be the largest producer of these brassicas in Europe. Production has gradually increased since 1997, peaking in 2003, when 509,911 tons were harvested. In 2007, Spain accounted for 19.7% of total European production, according to data from the Statistics Division of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT).
 

After Spain, Italy and France are the next most important broccoli and cauliflower producers in Europe. Italian production remained fairly stable in the period from 1997 to 2003, but dipped in 2004 to a total of 413,682 tons, 14.7% less than the previous year.
 

On the other hand, French broccoli and cauliflower production showed a considerable decrease in the period of 1997-2007. Whereas in 1997 production totalled 509,220 tons, accounting for 21.2% of all European production, by 2007 production had fallen 27.3% to 370,000 tons, representing only 16.2% of total production in Europe.
 

Behind the trio of Spain, Italy and France, Poland and the UK share the highest broccoli and cauliflower production figures, with volumes for 2007 of 277,200 tons (12.1% of European production) and 186,400 tons (8.1%) respectively.