While the French supply is decreasing, Spanish broccoli is currently dominating the market. Spanish production has increased this season (mainly in Murcia), but weather problems have led to significant sorting differences, with repercussions on prices.
Broccoli production in the Murcia region, the main broccoli-growing area in Spain, is up 21% this year, reaching 224,000 tons from 14,000 hectares under cultivation, an increase of 13.5%.
While volumes are showing some growth, irregular weather conditions (rain and excessive heat) have led to quality problems, particularly with the presence of alternaria. "In the case of Spanish broccoli, we are seeing a lot of Category 2 products arriving on the market. This situation, combined with increasingly strong demand over the weeks, is pushing up prices," according to an operator based at Rungis. Prices are sometimes as high as €2.20/kg [2.29 USD/kg] for top-quality broccoli. Retail prices, meanwhile, fluctuate between €2.50 [2.60 USD] and €3.50 [3.65 USD] per kilo, depending on origin and quality.