Exports of Spanish Fruits and Vegetables on the Rise in Multiple Markets

Spanish fruit and vegetable producers registered growth in exports to Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of 2020

Exports of fresh fruits and vegetables from Spain within the European Union amounted to 4.205 billion euros in the first quarter of 2020, an improvement of 12% in year-on-year terms. Sales of produce outside the EU grew in comparable terms, expanding by 12.5% compared to the same period last year.

The primary destinations within the EU include Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands, and exports to those countries increased in the period, by 14%, 13%, 12% and 13% respectively. Two important destinations for Spanish fruit and vegetables outside of the EU are Switzerland and Norway, both of which reported notable growth in exports of 17% and 21%, respectively. Other noteworthy markets include the United Arab Emirates, where exports increased by an impressive 32% in the first quarter, and Saudi Arabia, with growth of 30%. The most popular products for the latter two are citrus fruits, apples, cabbage, lettuce and onions.

Sector companies are committed to internationalization and especially to entering non-EU markets with growth potential, and they use trade fairs, in Spain and abroad, to expand their reach.