The Spanish region of Murcia now accounts for an estimated 62 per cent of the 14,000ha that are dedicated to the production of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables in the country, at 9,300ha, thanks to rapid growth in the category.
According to leading Murcian growers' association Asaja Murcia, the development of the sector has contributed to the 'reconfiguration and reinforcement of economic activity' in the region, generating employment in the horticultural sector.
Asaja Murcia secretary general Alfonso Gálvez Caravaca said the sector represented 'high added value' for all growers and said that, with an annual average growth rate of around 21 per cent, fresh-cut had 'great potential for development'.
'This sector has developed considerably in our region in recent years,' said Mr Gálvez Caravaca, adding that the association expected the trend to continue growing this year.
According to recent data from the Spanish Association of Ready-to-eat Fruit and Vegetables (Afhorla), sales of fresh-cut products increased by over 20 per cent during 2007. The group predicts that the sector is likely to continue to see a 25 per cent annual increase in sales.
