Exports of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers reach €2.3bn in 2023
Portuguese exports of fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants reached a record of €2.3bn in 2023, an increase of 11.4 per cent compared to 2022, according to Portugal Fresh.
The industry association said Spain, France, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK continue to be the main markets of the sector, with the European Union absorbing 80 per cent of exports by value last year.
The increase reflects the wider trend that has seen consecutive annual growth in exports over the past decade.
Nevertheless, Portugal Fresh acknowledged that 2023 “was demanding for national production and international trade data reflects this context”. Exports contracted by 4.9 per cent in volume “as a result of the drop production in some key crops, caused by drought” the association noted.
Portugal Fresh president Gonçalo Santos Andrade commented: “Portugal has a privileged location, with a climate that allows us to produce more and more throughout the year. It is through quality, flavour and freshness that we want to compete”.
