The province of Huelva has achieved a historic milestone in red fruit exports, with sales reaching 1.101 billion euros in the initial seven months of 2024, marking a 10.1% increase year-on-year. This performance cements Huelva's position as Spain's foremost berry exporter, commanding nearly 77% of the country's exports, significantly outpacing Valencia, which holds a distant second place with a 10.3% share. Consequently, Huelva emerges as the most substantial contributor to Spain's export growth, which stands at 11.6%, by offering 7.8%.
In the broader context, Huelva's exports bolster Andalusia's dominance in the Spanish market, where the region accounts for 80% of total sales, vastly surpassing the Valencian Community that represents 11.2% of Spain's exports. The berry sector in Huelva has notably contributed 1.029 million euros to Andalusia's trade surplus, with exports outstripping imports by a factor of 15, based on a modest import figure of 72 million euros.
Analysis by product reveals that strawberries lead in sales volumes, generating 598 million euros and constituting 54% of total sales with a 14.3% growth. Raspberries and blueberries follow, with revenues of 265 million euros and 164 million euros, respectively, showcasing varying degrees of market expansion.
Internationally, Huelva's berries have penetrated 43 countries, primarily in Europe, experiencing growth in 16 of the top 20 markets. Germany emerges as the top importer, followed by the United Kingdom and France. Other significant markets include the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal among others.
Beyond berries, Huelva also excels in the broader fruit export sector, ranking second in Spain with a record performance, trailing only behind Valencia in terms of total fruit exports, which includes cherries and certain stone fruits like apricots.
Source: Blueberries Consulting