early potatoes

Spain's fresh fruit produce imports climbed once again during February, driven in particular by greater volumes of vegetables.

Total fruit and vegetable imports jumped 14.5 per cent in value for the month, up to €215.2m, and 3 per cent in volume terms to 251,456 tonnes, according to data from the Customs Directorate processed by Fepex.

Import growth was driven by vegetables, which grew 9 per cent in volumes to 148,769 tonnes and soared by 27 per cent in value to €91.4m.P

Potatoes enjoyed particular growth, up 7.7 per cent to 97,758 tonnes and 21 per cent to €32m, while green beans, tomatoes and peppers all saw import increases.

Fruit imports actually dropped in volume, down 5 per cent to 102,687 tonnes, while value climbed 6.8 per cent to €123.8m.

For January and February combined, imports of fresh produce came to 495,384 tonnes, up 3 per cent year-on-year, with value jumping 14.6 per cent to €421.3m.

In terms of those countries exporting to Spain, France and Morocco lead the way during the opening months of the year, Fepex reported.