Spain’s Fruit and Vegetable Exports Grow in Q1 2025, Led by Oranges and Cucumbers
Spain’s fruit and vegetable export sector continued its upward trajectory in the first quarter of 2025, with notable gains in both volume and value, according to data from the Department of Customs and Excise, compiled by industry body Fepex.
Total fresh produce exports rose by 2 per cent year-on-year to 4.6 million tonnes. The export value climbed 10 per cent, reaching €7.703 billion, reflecting strong international demand despite modest volume growth.
Mixed Results for Vegetables
Vegetable exports remained largely stable in terms of volume, dipping slightly by 0.3 per cent to 2.5 million tonnes. However, the category saw a robust 10 per cent increase in value, totalling €4.069 billion.
Among the standout performers were cucumbers, which posted a 4 per cent rise in export volume to 319,522 tonnes, while export value surged by 22 per cent to €503 million. Lettuce and cabbage also performed well, both increasing 3 per cent in volume. Lettuce exports reached 400,660 tonnes (€532 million, up 15 per cent), while cabbage shipments hit 310,813 tonnes (€468 million, up 7 per cent).
Conversely, peppers and tomatoes experienced a drop in volume but gained in value. Pepper exports fell by 3 per cent to 370,312 tonnes, though revenue climbed 17 per cent to €898 million. Tomato exports declined 13 per cent to 318,803 tonnes, yet their value edged up 2 per cent to €593 million.
Fruit Exports Driven by Citrus and Berries
Fruit exports performed strongly, increasing 4 per cent in volume to 2 million tonnes and 10 per cent in value to €3.633 billion. Oranges led the category with significant year-on-year growth—exports soared 18 per cent in volume to 700,338 tonnes and 13 per cent in value to €647 million. Oranges remained the most exported fruit during the period.
Mandarins and lemons followed oranges as top citrus performers, while soft fruits also contributed notably to the export uptick. Strawberries maintained a stable export volume of 199,136 tonnes compared to the same quarter in 2024, but their export value rose 10 per cent to €699 million.
The Q1 figures underscore Spain’s continued strength as a leading exporter of fresh produce, particularly in citrus fruits and key vegetables like cucumbers and lettuce. Despite challenges in volume for some crops, overall value growth signals healthy demand across European and global markets.
