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Spanish fresh produce exporter association Proexport has announced the integration of two new companies – Natural Salads and SAT Peregrín – into its organisation, meaning the group now represents some 70 per cent of the country’s lettuce exports.

The Murcia-based organisation said that with the incorporation of the two companies into the association, Proexport, as a group, was now responsible 275,000 tonnes of the 393,786 tonnes of lettuce that Spain exports each year.

In a statement, Proexport managing director Fernando Gómez said: “Our aim is to have the best possible representation for the sector because by bringing together all the producers we will be able to find the strength to defend Murcian agriculture.”

Natural Salads, which is based is Lorca, has 11 associated producers and last year recorded a turnover totalling €21m. The company specialises in the production of iceberg, romaine and little gem lettuce, as well as celery, broccoli, melon and watermelon.

SAT Peregrín, which had a turnover of €50m, focuses on the production of lettuce and celery through its eight grower members, based in Murcia, Almería, Málaga, Córdoba, Cuenca and Albacete.