Spain has taken on the challenge of producing increasing numbers of red berries, and no place more so than the area around Huelva.
The area had been a leader in the production of strawberries, many of them for foreign consumption, but now 95% of Spain’s berries are being raised in the district while strawberry growing is beginning to diminish.
“Demand for this kind of fruit has soared, while strawberry exports have dropped thanks to strong competition from other countries,” says Rafael Domínguez, director of Freshuelva, an association of companies in the sector.
Cranberries have risen rapidly in popularity over the last four years, accounting for a 138% increase in exports during that period.
Raspberry exports expanded by 129% while blackberry demand from abroad rose by 35%.
the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants (FEPEX) provided the data.
The UK has long been among the main importers of Spanish berries. Last year, 10% of the country’s strawberries and 40% of its other berries went to Britain.
But growers are concerned with the Brexit future holds. With a drop in the pound, comes a fall in profits unless UK prices go up.
The berries, sometimes called super fruit, are not traditional fare for Spanish consumers, despite the massive production there. The sector believes that more information about the health benefits of berries needs to reach Spaniards.
“Spain does not have a berry culture,” says Domínguez. “So we’ve decided to change this with comics for children and conferences for adults.”
From January to June this year, at least 112,000 workers have been hired for berry picking in Huelva, according to local government deputy Enrique Pérez Viguera.
The majority were local people offered temporary contracts, although some are able to work all year round. Many of the migrants who used to pick the fruit left during Spain’s prolonged economic crisis and stiff austerity programmes.
