The 2025/2026 red fruit campaign in Huelva closed in May with exports amounting to 1,255.2 million euros, a 3.3% decrease compared to the previous period. This decline is primarily attributed to the significant impact of rains and storms that affected production during the initial months of the campaign, reducing the volume of fruit available for international markets.
According to Freshuelva's analysis, the storms conditioned the campaign from its outset, limiting fruit volume and making this season one of the lowest in production in recent years. Strawberries, the main crop, yielded 204,035 tons (3% less), and blueberries produced 59,500 tons (6% less).
As exceptions, raspberries consolidated their growth with 39,545 tons (5% more), and blackberries saw the largest percentage increase, reaching 2,517 tons (33% more). Freshuelva's manager, Rafael Domínguez, noted that stable prices partially compensated for the tonnage loss.
In detail, strawberry exports totaled 675.7 million euros (-3.3%), raspberries reached 222.7 million euros (-3%), and blueberries generated 336.2 million euros (-4%). Blackberries, however, increased their exports by 12%, reaching 20.6 million euros.
Germany remains the primary market for Huelva's strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, followed by the United Kingdom and France for strawberries; the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for raspberries; and the Netherlands and France for blueberries. Blackberries' main buyer is the Netherlands.
Freshuelva highlights the sector's adaptability in maintaining international supply through varietal innovation and quality. However, it calls for addressing challenges such as water availability, hydraulic infrastructure, labor stability, and fair competition against third-country imports via 'mirror clauses'.
