Hortyfruta, Andalusia's Fruit and Vegetable Inter-branch organization, is concerned about the unstable situation affecting most of the horticultural products it covers, such as cucumber, zucchini, pepper, and tomato, after the gradual deterioration suffered by the crop during the last two weeks.
After a rigorous analysis of the markets, Hortyfruta found that, to date, the situation of certain products, such as long Dutch cucumber and green zucchini, meets the "yellow alert" criteria of its Crisis Manual.
The situation of the long Dutch-type cucumber is especially worrying, as production has accelerated in the last 15 days. This week (week 47) the sector expects production will be 10% higher than what is normal at this time of year. The changeable weather and unusually high November temperatures are not helping regulate sales. In fact, there is still a large amount of product from northern Europe in the destination markets.
Hortyfruta has warned that, if the situation continues, it will be necessary to activate the extension of the standard stipulating the obligation to withdraw the second category products. The objective is that only the extra and first categories for fresh consumption reach the market, affecting all operators, producers,, and marketers in Andalusia.
In the coming weeks, Hortyfruta will be paying special attention to the general evolution of quality to check if the list of vegetables in a situation of instability increases.
Market analysis
The season was acceptable until the appearance of the heavy storms that part of the crop. Up to the beginning of November, sales had increased by around 15%. Overall production had increased, especially cucumber with a percentage of more than 20%. Courgette, pepper, and tomato production had also increased but at a much more moderate rate. Only aubergine showed no increase compared to last year.
For more information:
Hortyfruta
Ctra. de Málaga n.º 44, 3rd floor
04002 - Almeria - Spain
Tel. +34 662 388 055
Email: [email protected]