An excess of production during the autumn followed by heavy rains in November has caused a shortfall of broccoli production in southern Spain that has sent prices on the European market soaring.
Javier Bernabéu of the +Broccoli association said: “Contracts are being fulfilled, albeit at the lower limits, and there is nothing left over”.
Celia Sánchez of Murcia-based grower-exporter Vasaki Ibérica told Fruitnet last week that prices for the brassica were as high as €8 per kg, compared to a more typical €1.3 per kg.
Bernabéu added that the shortage was likely to last until the summer as less broccoli is being planted than usual at this present time.
Speaking at an agricultural conference held in Extremadura last weekend, Bernabéu noted that consumption of broccoli continued to grow at a good pace in Spain, with each person consuming around 1.5kg per year.
Broccoli plays a key role in Spain’s agricultural sector and its high labour requirements contribute significantly to the social economy.
