Import of fruit and vegetables grown in Spain

In 2010, the import of fruit and vegetables in Spain in real terms grew by 2 per cent compared with the previous year and amounted to 2.4 million. tons, FEPEX (Spanish Federation of producers and exporters of fruits and vegetables). In monetary terms, the volume of imports increased by 10 percent to 1.5 million. euro. In 2010, the import of fruit and vegetables in Spain in real terms grew by 2 per cent compared with the previous year and amounted to 2.4 million. tons, FEPEX (Spanish Federation of producers and exporters of fruits and vegetables). In monetary terms, the volume of imports increased by 10 percent to 1.5 million. euro. Import of fruit rose by 4% in natural expression (up to 1.2 million tons) and in money — at 13%, to 965 million. euro. With regard to the imports of vegetables, the volume in kind was similar (1.2 million tons, up 0.2 percent higher than in 2009), and in the money amounted to 510 million. the euro, which is above the 6%. The major imported categories were potatoes and apples, which have grown considerably compared to the previous year. Thus, the volume of imports of potatoes increased by 10% to 780 thousand. $ 187 million tons. Euro (at 24% more than in 2009). The import of apples rose by 9% in volume and money terms, amounting to 210 000. tons worth 150 million. euro. Also the significant increase in imports was noted in relation to the pears and citrus fruit. With regard to the countries-suppliers of fruits and vegetables, led France, imports of which amounted to 826 thous. MT (33% of the total volume of deliveries to Spain). It was followed by Italy (134 tons), which has taken share in 5.4% of total imports, and the United Kingdom (118 thousand tons), whose share was 5%. Shipments from France increased by 5%, and the United Kingdom — on a third. At the same time, imports from Italy fell by 15 percent compared with 2009. According to experts, the increase in imports in FEPEX 2010, was provoked by the loss of competitiveness of domestic producers of fruits and vegetables, as well as changing consumer habits of Spanish buyers, who increasingly require year-round availability of fruits and vegetables on the shelves.