Fepex Lettuce Committee Highlights 7.4% Increase in First Quarter Exports
The Lettuce Committee of Fepex convened recently in Murcia to evaluate the progress of the 2023/2024 campaign, noting a strong first half with significant export growth and an increased diversification of lettuce varieties. The meeting also saw the appointment of Cecilio Peregrín as the new president of the committee.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that the export of lettuce saw notable growth this campaign, with 292,452 tons shipped in the first quarter of the year—an impressive 7.4% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This uptick in exports is accompanied by a trend towards greater varietal diversification, although iceberg lettuce remains the dominant export, comprising approximately 50% of the total shipments.
The 2023/2024 campaign was characterized by a positive performance in the early months, marked by satisfactory volumes and pricing. However, the second half of the campaign, from December to May, was notably irregular, with fluctuations in prices and product availability. Additionally, a decrease in the consumption of butterhead lettuce was observed, as reported by Cecilio Peregrín, who also serves as the president of the lettuce sector of Proexport.
Cecilio Peregrín González, who is also a member of the Governing Board of Coexphal (Almería) and was appointed vice president for vegetables at Fepex in the last general assembly of the Federation in February, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to advancing the lettuce sector in his new role as committee president.
In 2023, Spain’s lettuce exports totaled 783,979 tons, reflecting a slight 1% decrease compared to 2022. Of this total, 375,454 tons were butterhead lettuce. In terms of value, international sales reached 920 million euros, demonstrating an annual growth of 11%. Lettuce remains the second most exported vegetable from Spain and ranks third in terms of value. The region of Murcia leads in lettuce production and export, with 525,673 tons exported in 2023, accounting for 67% of the national total, followed by Andalusia (specifically Almería) with 143,498 tons (18% of the total), and Alicante with 27,015 tons.
The Sectoral Committees of Fepex, which are dedicated to specific products or product groups, analyze issues affecting each crop and propose measures to enhance production, marketing, or promotion. The Lettuce Committee of Murcia includes associations where lettuce cultivation is most prevalent, such as the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producers-Exporters of the Region of Murcia (Proexport), the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organizations of the province of Almería (Coexphal), and the Federation of Fruit and Horticultural Product Entrepreneurs of Alicante (Fexphal).
