Between January and August 2024, Spanish households consumed 4.68 billion kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables, a 1.6% rise compared to the same period in 2023. Data from the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, and Live Plants (FEPEX) shows that the months of July and August were pivotal in driving this recovery.
- Vegetables: Consumption reached 1.575 billion kg, up by 2.5% compared to 2023.
- Fruits: Total consumption stood at 2.25 billion kg, a 2% increase.
Potatoes, however, bucked the trend with a decline of 2.1%, totaling 554 million kg.
Top Performing Vegetables and Fruits
- Vegetables:
- Tomatoes: Consumption surged to 388 million kg (+7.3%), affirming their status as a household staple.
- Onions: Reached 188 million kg (+0.75%).
- Bell Peppers: Recorded a remarkable increase of 9.6%, totaling 135 million kg.
- Fruits:
- Watermelons and Melons: Seasonal favorites saw significant growth, with watermelon consumption at 300 million kg (+9%) and melons at 212 million kg (+17.6%).
- Strawberries: Demand rose by 10%, reaching 105 million kg.
- Stone Fruits:
- Peaches: 75 million kg (+3%).
- Apricots: 33 million kg (+9%).
- Cherries: 32.5 million kg (+52%).
Economic Impact
The total value of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in Spanish households increased by 4.5%, amounting to €9.748 billion:
- Vegetables: €3.684 billion (+3%).
- Fruits: €5.380 billion (+5%).
- Potatoes: €684 million (+6%), despite the decline in consumption volume.
Shifting Consumer Preferences
The data highlights changing dietary trends in Spain:
- Rising Demand for Seasonal Produce: Summer fruits like melons, watermelons, and cherries experienced the highest growth, driven by their refreshing qualities and seasonal availability.
- Stable Demand for Staples: Vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and peppers continue to dominate household consumption, reflecting their importance in Spanish cuisine.
- Potato Decline: A decrease in potato consumption may indicate shifting preferences toward alternative carbohydrates or healthier dietary choices.
Opportunities and Challenges for Producers
- Opportunities:
- Growing demand for summer fruits offers room for expansion in these categories.
- Producers of tomatoes, peppers, and other high-demand vegetables can focus on value-added options such as organic or pre-packaged products.
- Challenges:
- The decline in potato consumption might require targeted campaigns to revive interest.
- Maintaining profitability amid rising production costs and market competition remains crucial.
The rebound in fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in Spain signals a positive outlook for the agricultural sector. By aligning production with consumer trends and leveraging the demand for seasonal produce, farmers and producers can capitalize on this growth. Strategic marketing and innovation in product offerings will be key to sustaining this momentum.
