Arandanos Freshuelva

Exports of fresh blueberries and raspberries from Andalusia increased by 10.3 per cent and 7.6 per cent respectively in value this year compared to 2017, according to figures released by the region’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development.

Blueberry exports totalled €257.89m, while the total value of raspberries sold overseas reached €344.4m.

In volume, blueberry exports totalled 45,580 tonnes, a 20.3 per cent increase on 2017, while raspberry sendings reach3d 44,850 tonnes, 7.6 per cent more than last year.

Almost all of this was destined for the European Union. Germany is Spain’s biggest blueberry market, absorbing 37.9 per cent of exports, while the UK was the number one raspberry market, taking 33.4 per cent of the total.

Planted area of both crops, which are concentrated almost entirely in the province of Huelva, have experienced an increase over last year.

Spain is the leading producer of fresh blueberries in the EU and the second biggest raspberry producer.