Exports of fruits, vegetables, and flowers have broken records in the first half of the year, surpassing the €1 billion mark in sales.

As reported by Portugal Fresh, an association promoting Portuguese fruits, vegetables, and flowers: "This marks the first time that international sales in this sector have crossed the €1 billion barrier in the first six months of the year."

The president of the association, Gonçalo Andrade, highlighted, "The fruits, vegetables, and flowers produced in Portugal are gaining increasing value in international markets. This positive export growth is the result of the sector's commitment to modernity, technology, market focus, and substantial investments in knowledge and innovation."

He further emphasized the professional approach taken to enhance products, with a focus on international promotion, branding, and maximizing the added value of products. This growth has occurred despite market uncertainties and challenges in production due to changing climatic conditions, resulting in significant quantity reductions.

These results stand in contrast to the overall downward trend in Portugal's first-half export values, confirming the sector's strategic importance.

Gonçalo Andrade also underscored the need for the government to prioritize the agri-food sector by implementing effective resource management policies, particularly for essential resources like water, tailored to the genuine needs of producers and companies. He called for policies that match the support provided by other European countries' governments.

Over 80% of sector sales were directed to Spain (33%), France (14%), the Netherlands (13%), Germany (8%), the United Kingdom (7%), Belgium (4%), and Japan (3%).

Noteworthy growth in export value was observed in vegetables (up by 24% compared to the first half of 2022) and in preparations of vegetables and fruits (an increase of 18%).

However, the export of fruits saw a 3% decline compared to the same period in 2022.

Similar trends were seen in ornamental plants and flowers, which experienced a 3% decrease in exports.

The primary exported products included processed tomatoes (€330 million), small fruits (€260 million), citrus fruits (€172 million), pears (€111 million), and fresh tomatoes (€79 million). Photo by  I, NobbiP, Wikimedia commons.