Spain Sees Notable Rise in Fruit and Vegetable Imports, Led by Potatoes and Avocados

Spain’s fruit and vegetable imports saw steady growth in the first five months of 2025, according to the latest data released by Fepex, the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and Live Plants.

From January to May, imports reached a total of 2 million tonnes—an increase of 7 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. In value terms, imports rose even more sharply, climbing 13 per cent year-on-year to €2.565 billion.

Vegetables, including potatoes, accounted for 1 million tonnes, up 10 per cent, with a combined value of €798 million—a 5 per cent increase. Potatoes remained the most heavily imported product overall, with volumes reaching 681,108 tonnes (up 7 per cent). However, the value of potato imports fell by 6 per cent to €288 million.

Fruit imports also registered strong performance, growing 4 per cent in volume to nearly 990,000 tonnes and surging 17 per cent in value to €1.767 billion.

Among fruits, bananas held the top spot with 178,463 tonnes imported, marking an 8.5 per cent increase. Their total value rose to €125 million, up 13 per cent. Avocados followed closely, showing the most significant growth in volume—up 26 per cent to 117,528 tonnes—with a corresponding 18 per cent increase in value to €269 million.

Other notable fruit categories included apples, which saw a 4 per cent decline in volume to 86,584 tonnes but a modest 2.5 per cent rise in value to €93 million. Pineapple imports dropped 5 per cent in volume to 72,790 tonnes, though their value grew by 11.5 per cent, reaching €74 million.

The latest figures underscore shifting demand dynamics in Spain’s agri-food sector, with consumers increasingly turning to imported fresh produce despite rising costs.