The sectorial organization Coexphal presented the balance of the 2019/2020 campaign, pointing out that, for the first time, tomato exports from Morocco (486,878 tons) exceed those of Almeria (417,826 tons).
Fig. 1 Campaign September 2019-June 2020 by products and in relation to the previous one
The current cost rises by 2%: the fall in oil input prices was blunted by the increase in labor. As a result, the current margin shows a reduction identical to the cost increase.
“This campaign can be considered as a transition towards a period of strong unknowns that will start to emerge at the end of the year. It remains to be seen how the continuation of the pandemic or the economic crisis may affect the horticultural sector in Almería”, Luis Miguel Fernández, manager of Coexphal, said.
However, when comparing this season with the average of the five previous ones, prices fall by 1%, marketing grows by 2% and, therefore, income increases by 1%. It is striking that, in this case, there is a 15% deterioration in the margin.
Fig. 2 Evolution of Spanish imports of Moroccan tomatoes
Other vegetables
Paprika continued its growth trend, which has been going on for more than 10 years. In fact, production increased by 16% over the last 5 seasons and 7% over the last one.
The volume of cucumber commercialized maintained its growing trend, with an increase of 25 %. A positive variation of 8% of income was also observed.
The aubergine marketed increased significantly this season: by 11%. In fact, for years now, there has been a continuous increase in this crop.
Zucchini, like aubergine, increased prices and production in March and April.
Watermelon marketing showed a 16% drop. We must remember that last year it grew by 12%.
Melon has behaved similarly to watermelon while lettuce marketing experienced a 5% drop.
For Fernández, the main issues affecting the sector, apart from COVID-19, are:
(1) the reform of the Food Chain Law, (2) the increase in labor costs and the reduction of margins, (3) the reputation of the sector against "unfair" attacks, (4) the insecurity of Brexit, (5) competition from third countries and (6) the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the companies and Almería’s business model.
Source: valenciafruits.com