Spain‘s fruit and vegetable sector reported a 11.2% increase in value and 5.3% increase in volume sales during the first four months of this year, new data, presented at the 27th AECOC Fruit and Vegetable Congress in Valencia, has revealed.
Vegetables reported a 8.7% increase in value and 5.5% increase in volume, with potatoes, carrots, and cucumbers the standout categories, the data showed. Fruit reported a 13.4% increase in value and a 5.2% increase in volume, with grapes, avocados, kiwis, strawberries, bananas, and oranges driving demand, and seasonal fruits such as watermelon, cherries, and nectarines also seeing strong increases.
The data was presented by NIQ, with the research firm noting three key structural shifts impacting consumer behavior: an aging and increasingly foreign population, a sharper focus on health and sustainability, and the rise of a hybrid, ‘liquid’ shopping model that blends elements of physical stores and online retail.
Online currently accounts for just 1% of fresh produce sales in Spain, however it is growing, NIQ added.
Economic optimism
At the event, which gathered more than 700 stakeholders from across Spain’s fruit and vegetable sector, AECOC director general José María Bonmatí explained that the sector’s strength is emerging amid broader economic optimism, with projected national GDP growth of 2.5% in 2025.
“We are at a key moment for the Spanish economy,” Bonmatí said, noting that the country’s GDP expectations put it in a stronger position than many other European markets. “We have competitive, strong, and agile companies capable of adapting to a changing environment and leading through innovation and efficiency. Employment is showing reasonably positive progress, although there are still difficulties in finding labour in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and transportation.”
Bonmatí pointed to the current period of manageable inflation as a key factor behind the country’s financial position, as well as a burgeoning tourism sector – tourists are expected to spend €126 billion in Spain this year.
‘Challenges ahead’
“But alongside these positive indicators, there are still challenges ahead. Our priority must be to improve competitiveness,” he said. “Of course, it is essential to invest in training, innovation, and talent, but we must not forget that investment stems from profit. We cannot demonise business profit, because it is precisely that margin that allows for the generation of wealth, employment, and social cohesion.”
AECOC represents over 34,000 companies, which are collectively responsible for around 25% of national GDP. Read more here.
