The Region of Murcia exported 2,5 million tons of fruit and vegetables in 2016.

1,9% less than the previous year

The value of Murcia's exports grows to 2.469 billion euros.

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According to data from the association Proexport prepared from information from Customs, the volume of the horticultural exports from the Murcia In 2016 it decreased by 1,9% compared to 2015, standing at 2.488.568 tons.

 

However, during that same period, the value of those exports It increased by 3,9% thanks to a slight improvement in average prices, reaching 2.469 million euros.

 

El President of Proexport, Juan Marín, has highlighted that “despite the difficulties we went through in 2016, the Murcia, with 20% of the national export volume, continued to lead the exporting In Spain, only the Valencian Community (33%) and Andalusia (30%), which are multi-province regions, were behind.” These figures and their evolution in recent years explain why in 2008 the agrarian sector It had an employed population of 56.600 people, which grew to 76.600 in 2016. Therefore, Marín adds that “it is obvious that job creation or destruction in the sector is closely linked to the evolution of production figures, which is why it is neither gratuitous nor alarmist to warn about the serious problem that the lack of water could cause for agricultural employment in 2017.” 

 

By countries, Germany, It is the main destination of the Murcian fruit and vegetable exportsWith 611,6 million euros, it receives 24,8% of the total exported by the Region in 2016. United Kingdom It is the second largest market for fruits and vegetables from Murcia, with €579,9 million exported last year (23,5% of the total) and France It ranks third with €411,5 million, representing 16,7% of exports. These three destinations account for 65% of the Region's exports, followed by a long list of European and third countries that share the remaining 35%.

 

Vegetables

 

Marin It highlights that “in vegetables, growth was twofold, in both volume and value, although each product performed uniquely.” Indeed, the Region increased the value of its vegetables by 6,5%. vegetable exportsreaching €1.197,9 million. With 1.258.976 tons exported, Murcia also increased its export volume by 6,7% compared to 2015. This data confirms that 23,6% of the vegetables exported nationally come from Murcia. Murcia region.

 

Lettuce, in all its varieties, is the product that contributes most to Murcia's fruit and vegetable exports. In 2016, shipments increased by 5,1% compared to the previous year, reaching 527.423 tons with a value of €453,8 million (7,3% more). Murcia 71% of the lettuce exported by Spain, with the majority of producers concentrated in the association Proexport.

 

Following this product, the cabbage group (broccoli, cauliflower, and others) contributed €335,3 million in 2016, 14,4% more than the previous year. Export volume reached 329.022 tons, 9,5% more than in 2015. According to Marín, “within this group of vegetables, the Region of Murcia has increased its importance in terms of export volume, now representing 70,8% of the national total. Broccoli is the star product, and while the members of Proexport They account for the majority of exports, and we appreciate that all operators are doing a good job at the source.”

 

The third most important regional product is now peppers, of which 84.608 tons were exported in 2016, 14,7% more than the previous year, while their value increased by 4%, reaching €105,9 million. Production is concentrated in the region of Cartagena field y Mar MenorThe market is distributed among producers, cooperatives, and especially farmers who sell their produce through wholesale markets or fruit and vegetable auctions. Almost all of the region's wholesale markets are members of this organization. Proexport, collaborating closely in the development of advisory and awareness programs on good agricultural practices and environmental sustainability.

 

 

Germany is the main destination for fruit and vegetable exports from Murcia. With €611,6 million, it received 24,8% of the total exported by the Region in 2016.

 

 

Tomato exports saw a 5,4% decrease in 2016, falling from 103.999 to 98.408 tons. In terms of value, this drop in tomato exports is more pronounced due to the decline in average prices caused by the influx of Moroccan tomatoes and the closure of the Russian market. Exports fell by 13,5% compared to 2015, reaching €89,2 million. Murcia It concentrates its production in the coastal area of Mazarrón, Águilas and Lorca, and represents 10,8% of national tomato exports.

 

Murcia It also stands out in other vegetables such as celery, although its production fell last year. exports by 43,2%, to stand at 36.638 tons, compared to 64.461 in 2015. Celery production has shifted to other producing areas and the representation of Murcian celery exports falls thirteen points in just one year, to 60,5% of national exports.

 

Fruits and Citrus

 

The Region reduced its exports of fresh fruit by 9,3% in 2016, to 1.229.592 tons, for a value of 1.271 million euros (1,6% more than the previous year).

 

Lemons represent the largest volume in this category with 360.722 tons (14,3% less than in 2015). exports Lemon exports reached a value of 466,1 million euros, indicating a rise of 12,2% compared to the previous year, driven by good prices at origin.

 

As for table grapes, the product that ranks second in value among exported fruits in the MurciaExports exceeded €182,6 million in 2016, with 95.750 tons. 60,9% of Spain's table grape exports originate in Murcia.

 

Melon exports fell by 1,3% last year, reaching 227.438 tons, valued at €158,5 million. The Region of Murcia exports 52,2% of the country's melons, including all varieties: Piel de Sapo, Amarillo, Cantaloupe, Galia, etc.

 

Watermelon, with 161.546 tons exported, registered a slight growth of 0,4% during the past year, while its value reached 67,9 million euros, 10,7%, supported by the increase in consumption caused by the sector's strong commitment to seedless varieties that provide an excellent flavor.

 

Nectarines, with 75 million euros and 61.261 tons, and peaches, with 86,8 million euros and 74.491 tons, complete the main fruits exported in 2016 by the Region.