The fresh-cut sector is particularly susceptible to price fluctuations in energy and other inputs, association says
Afhorfresh, the Spanish Association of Washed Ready-to-Use Fruits and Vegetables, has become the latest organisation to voice its concern over rising costs of production. It has warned that geopolitical tensions – most notably the war in the Middle East – has pushed up the cost of producing and distributing fresh-cut and minimally processed fruits and vegetables by 5 per cent.
“In recent weeks, increasing volatility has been observed in costs associated with fuel, fertilisers, plastic materials, energy, and other inputs necessary for the production and distribution of minimally processed (IV Range) products. This has led to a 5 per cent increase in production costs, an impact that may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each operator,” Afhorfresh said in a statement.
The fresh-cut sector is particularly susceptible to price fluctuations in energy and other inputs as their production depends on highly specialised industrial processes and efficient logistics to guarantee freshness and continuity of supply.
Despite the worsening situation, the companies that make up Afhorfresh – who together account for 95 per cent of Spain’s fresh-cut sales – reiterated that they continue to take all possible measures to mitigate the impact of rising costs to maintain current levels of service, quality, and continuity of supply.
