After years of drought and water shortages, Spain's tropical fruit sector expects a record mango and avocado production this season. The data is not yet definitive, but it seems that prices are at favorable levels, although foreign trade is a cause for concern.
In the last two years, tropical fruit production suffered significant drops. 2023 was disastrous for the sector, with a 70% reduction in mango production in Malaga, the main producing area, due to lack of water.
This year, recent rains have improved expectations for the season. According to Álvaro Palacios, president of the Spanish Tropical Association (AET), it's too early to estimate the increase in production, as any rains in April and May might affect flowering. "The rain has brought a lot of relief to the crops; the trees have been affected by a strong water deficit for almost three years, so the rain has been very welcome, as it has served to wash the soil," Palacios stated.
Avocado prices have ranged between 0.19 and 0.24 euros/kilo, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA). Last year, the average ranged between 0.25 and 0.23 euros/kilo. The sector has a generally positive outlook thanks to the price stability for mango and avocado, taking advantage of the space left by other origins.
In contrast, the outlook for exports is not so good. According to the AET, avocado exports from Andalusia fell by 14% in volume and 10% in value compared to the previous year. Exports to countries outside the EU fell by 64% in volume and 63% in value. In contrast, exports within the EU improved by 9% in average unit value.
Alvaro Palacios ruled out that the tariffs announced by the United States would affect the sector since "Spain's production is still a long way off" compared to Peru and Mexico.
Source: efeagro.com