In Spain, the fresh-cut produce market has seen growth of 6 per cent between January and August 2008, compared with the same eight-month period of the previous year.

The volume of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables produced for commercial sale increased to 42,859 tonnes during the period, according to new figures released by Spanish fresh-cut association AFHORLA, part of the Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters.

Of the total, 40,443 tonnes were fresh-cut vegetable products, according to the report. 78 per cent of overall production was focused on distribution, with 22 per cent oriented towards food service, AFHORLA added.

AFHORLA was founded in 2004, and consists of Vega Mayor SL, Verdifresh SL, Sogesol, Kernel Export, Primaflor, Tallo Verde SL and Bonnysa.