Spain remains one of the world’s top producers and exporters of cucumbers, with the province of Almería leading the way. In the 2023/24 season, Almería accounted for 72.31% of Spain’s total cucumber exports, shipping out 493.8 million kg of cucumbers. Despite this dominance in the market, lower prices resulted in a significant revenue shortfall. Almería’s cucumber export value fell by €77.3 million compared to the previous season, a drop attributed to a decrease in the average export price.
Spain exported a total of 682.93 million kg of cucumbers in the 2023/24 season, generating €928.35 million at an average price of €1.36/kg. While this figure still represents a substantial amount of cucumber trade, it reflects the challenges faced by exporters, particularly those in Almería. The province earned €650.8 million from its cucumber exports this season, at an average price of €1.32/kg. This is a noticeable decline from the previous 2022/23 season, when cucumbers were exported at €1.46/kg, and Almería’s revenues stood at €728.15 million.
Other regions in Spain contributed to the nation’s cucumber exports as well, although on a smaller scale. Granada exported 63.68 million kg (9.32% of the national total), Valencia contributed 35.31 million kg (5.17%), and Murcia shipped 18.75 million kg (2.75%). While Almería remains the clear leader in cucumber production, the diversification of cucumber exports across these regions ensures that Spain maintains its robust position in the global market.
The decline in prices this season is concerning for the profitability of cucumber exports. In the 2022/23 season, the higher average price allowed Almería to generate €728.15 million from 499.21 million kg of cucumbers. This season, however, despite exporting only slightly less—493.8 million kg—the province earned significantly less, pointing to a weakened price environment that affected farmers and exporters alike.
Several factors may have contributed to this price decline. Global supply chain fluctuations, changes in consumer demand, and increased competition from other cucumber-producing countries could have influenced market conditions. Additionally, the cost of production, especially with rising inputs like energy, labor, and water, has placed pressure on profit margins. As cucumber prices decreased, Spanish producers, especially those in Almería, faced the challenge of maintaining profitability in a competitive market.
While the price decline presents short-term challenges, Almería’s dominance in the cucumber trade remains a testament to the region’s highly developed agricultural sector. The province benefits from advanced greenhouse farming systems, efficient irrigation techniques, and a climate conducive to year-round production. These factors have helped Almería consistently supply high-quality cucumbers to European markets, particularly to Germany, the UK, and France.
Almería’s leadership in cucumber exports continues despite facing a significant revenue drop due to lower prices in the 2023/24 season. As prices fluctuate and global competition intensifies, regions like Almería must focus on cost efficiency, innovation, and market diversification to remain competitive. The challenges of this season highlight the need for strategies that can ensure profitability in volatile market conditions.
