Kiwifruit close up

Kiwifruit was a leading import for Spain during the opening quarter

Spanish fruit and vegetable imports grew through the first quarter of the year, up 9 per cent in value to €456.4m and 2 per cent in volume to 631,529 tonnes.

According to data from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, published by Fepex, growth was driven by fruit imports, which climbed 14 per cent in value and 3 per cent in volume to €286.5m and 282,427 tonnes respectively.

Kiwifruit, pears and avocados enjoyed growth, while there were import drops in the banana and apple categories.

Vegetable imports came in 1 per cent higher in volume at 349,102 tonnes, while value also rose 1 per cent to €169.8m, led by potatoes and green beans.

Fepex also highlighted the growth in imported tomatoes, with 12,919 tonnes brought into Spain (+94 per cent) at a coast of €11.6m (+155 per cent).