Strawberry, blueberry and blackberry plantings up, while raspberries back to 2022 levels after two years of decline
Freshuelva, the Association of Producers and Exporters of Strawberries in Huelva, expects berry acreage in the region to grow by 4 per cent in 2025. It said the increase is due to the recovery in raspberry plantations and the consolidation of blackberry and blueberry crops, together with a slight increase in strawberry acreage.
Strawberry plantings are up 2 per cent to 6,432ha. However, Freshuelva said this growth has been accompanied by challenges, such as the problem of soil disinfection in nurseries, which has caused a high mortality of plants after the initial planting phase.
This has forced the replanting of between 15 per cent and 20 per cent of the crop, in some cases, prolonging this process until the end of November. Although these difficulties mean an increase in planting costs and a possible delay in the ripening of the fruit, recent rains have favoured the development of the plantations.
Raspberry acreage is up 9.5 per cent 1,930ha, heralding a recovery after two seasons of decline. Blackberries have seen the greatest percentage growth, acreage up 18 per cent at 168ha. This is driven by the introduction of new varieties that are popular in the European and domestic markets.
Blueberry plants are up 4 per cent at 3,744ha, making them the second most important berry in the province of Huelva. New varieties have brought the start of the harvest forward to December, allowing the region to gain competitiveness against South American producers by expanding its presence in the European market. However, Huelva faces growing competition from third countries, especially in spring production.
“The general increase in the area under cultivation demonstrates the resilience of the sector in the face of production and commercial challenges,” Freshuelva said. “Varietal innovation and improvements in agricultural management are key to maintaining the competitiveness of Huelva’s red fruits in national and international markets.
“Freshuelva remains committed to continuing to work alongside producers and administrations to guarantee the sustainability, quality and excellence of Huelva’s berries, strengthening its position as a global benchmark in the sector.”
