Association of Tropical Fruits reports improved picture for avocados, mangoes and custard apples
Recent rains have improved water availability in southern Spain and provided a much-needed boost to tropical fruit production according to Spanish Association of Tropical Fruits (AET).
Speaking to Efeagro, the association’s president, José María López, reported good quality in this year’s avocado crop – which is set to exceed 100,000 tonnes – thanks to improved irrigation and the reactivation of exports.
Mango and custard apple production are also up, with quality of the latter said to be “outstanding”.
Despite the improved picture, López said factors such as water and labour availability remain critical for the season.
He noted that the increased output has also put more pressure on prices this year. According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the farmgate price of avocados ranged between €1.59 and €1.67 per kilo in late October and early November, down from €1.76-€2.3 per kilo during the same period in 2014.
López highlighted the “tight” profit margins farmers faced, noting that this made the need for joint planning and promotion essential for achieving fairer prices.
Regarding exports, AET reported growing international demand for Spanish tropical fruits, primarily in the European Union, but also in non-EU countries, allowing for market diversification and improved profitability.
Despite the challenges posed by water scarcity in previous years, tropical fruit cultivation has experienced significant growth. Between 2010 and 2022, production grew by 53 per cent. Today, Spain is home to 2.2 per cent of the world’s avocado plantings and 85.2 per cent of EU production.
