Almería-based fruit and vegetable producer association Coexphal has reported “positive” results from its 2009/10 export campaign, with a total volume of more than 1,6m tonnes of fresh products, 3 per cent greater than the season before.
The organisation, which represents 58 producer groups and cooperatives in the Andalusian province who together account for an estimated 70 per cent of the area’s fresh produce exports, also saw turnover rise by 6 per cent to over €1.3m.
In a statement, Coexphal said its exports during the campaign included tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, aubergines, courgettes, green beans, melons and watermelons, with Germany, the Netherlands, France and the UK the principal markets for the products.
During its recent annual general assembly, Coexphal managing director Juan Colomina stressed that his organisation would continue, together with Fepex, to campaign against the European Parliament’s ratification of the EU’s agreement of association with Morocco.
Mr Colomina said measures were needed to revise the current European import entry price system, adding that the Spanish fresh produce sector “should not drop its guard against direct competitors, such as Holland, Morocco, Israel and Turkey”.
Among Coexphal’s membership are leading export cooperatives Casi, Murgiverde, Nature’s Choice, Vicasol, Cabasc, Costa de Níjar, Ejidomar and Casur.
