Spain: Fresh-cut market grew 3.3% in January 2010
Fresh-cut product sales increased by 6.4% in 2009
The volume of fresh-cut products sold in Spain totalled 5,363 tonnes in January 2010, an increase of 3.3% compared with the same month last year, according to figures announced by AFHORLA, the Spanish Fresh-Cut Association which forms part of FEPEX (Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters).
Of the 5,363 tonnes sold in January 2010, vegetables accounted for 5,255 tonnes and fruit just 108 tonnes. 4,360 tonnes were sold to the distribution sector, 81.3% of all Spanish fresh-cut product sales, while the remaining 18.7% was sold to the HORECA (hotel, restaurant and catering) sector. The increase in the volume sold to distribution channels reflects a growing interest in fresh-cut products among customers.
Fresh-cut product sales increased by 6.4% in 2009
66,699 tonnes of fresh-cut products were sold in Spain in 2009, 6.4% more than the previous year, maintaining the upward trend begun in 2005 (See Fig.1). Most of the fresh-cut products sold in Spain in 2009 were vegetables (98%), since this is the most developed sector in Spain, while only 2% were fruit.
81% of sales were made to distribution channels, 8.6% more than in 2008, whereas only 19% of fresh-cut products were sold to the hotel, restaurant and catering sector, representing a decrease of 2% compared with 2008.
Fresh cut market (tones): 2007 - 2009
Fig.1 Own elaboration with data from AFHORLA
Founded in 2004, Afhorla, is the Spanish Association of producers of washed, ready-to-use fruit and vegetables. The Association was established to meet the needs of this key growth area and it serves as an umbrella for the main production companies in the sector: Vega Mayor S.A. (Navarra), Verdifresh S.L. (Valencia), Sogesol S.A. (Murcia), Kernel Export S.L. (Murcia), Primaflor (Almería), Tallo Verde S.L. (Toledo) and Frutibon S.A. (Alicante); together, these companies account for 95% of all fresh-cut product sales in Spain.
S&G Brassicas Today – March 2010
