Spain Fruits insights

The avocado, considered a superfood for its high nutritional value, could face an uncertain future due to the impact of climate change. This tropical crop, which requires specific temperature and water conditions, is experiencing severe difficulties in key production regions of Spain such as Malaga and Granada. Climate stability is crucial for avocado growth, as it needs temperatures between -2°C and 38°C to thrive. Heat waves and unusually cold winters are already affecting productivity. According to studies, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, even for a few hours, can damage trees, undermining their ability to protect fruits and reducing harvests. The water crisis exacerbates the problem, especially in areas such as the Axarquía, where intensive avocado cultivation is overexploiting water resources. According to a report by Ecologists in Action, producing a single avocado requires more than 35

A significant improvement in the Spanish avocado harvest forecast is expected, with production exceeding 70,000 tonnes

In 2024, the Spanish government negotiated with 16 countries on all continents, involving 26 kinds of fruits. In Asia, Spain is negotiating with China for cherry exports and with Japan for citrus exports; in the Americas, Spain negotiated with Canada for cherry exports, with Colombia for persimmon exports, and with Chile for citrus exports and apples. At the same time, Spain is also negotiating with the United States to open its domestic market, and the United States is expected to export nectarines, peaches, plums, pears and apples to Spain. In recent years, the production of Spanish cherries has fluctuated greatly. In the seven years from 2016 to 2022, the highest production value occurred in 2021 (127,000 tons), and the lowest was 2020 (83,000 tons). Export volume also fluctuates with production, and the export price is about 3.7 euros/kg. The Autonomous Region of Aragon is located in the northeast of Spain, bordering France, and is the main cherry-growing area in Spain. The local cherry orchards are about 13,250 hectares, accounting for more than 40% of the total cherry production in Spain. In 2023, the cherry production in the Autonomous Region of Aragon was 48,600 tons. In 2024, due to the high temperature during the flowering period, the local cherry production decreased significantly. Currently, Spain is the European country with the most fruits allowed to enter the Chinese market, including citrus (tangerines, oranges, grapefruits, lemons), peaches, plums, grapes and persimmons.