Murcia-based fresh produce association Ibérica Hortofrutícola has cautioned exporters in the Spanish region to take care when selling fruit and vegetables to clients in non-euro countries due to the sharp depreciations in several currencies over recent weeks.
With the Polish zloty, UK pound, Russian ruble and Ukranian hryvania all having suffered recent falls, the association has urged Spanish exporters to carry out all sales to these countries in euros and to only accept payments in cash.
“In recent weeks we have witnessed the depreciation of several European currencies with the resulting loss in profitability for exporters when they exchange currencies,” said association president Juan de Dios Hernández Navarro in a statement.
Mr Hernández Navarro said that citrus exporters in particular – a sector which has been dogged by poor returns this season – must reinforce efforts to improve returns, which he said were currently failing to cover production costs.
“We have to try to achieve the maximum returns for our citrus producers who have had practically four seasons without making a profit on their products,” he added.
