In the coastal areas and the Condado region of Huelva, these extreme conditions have resulted in significant damage to tunnel and greenhouse structures used for berry production.
This episode comes during a season already heavily impacted by adverse weather conditions, which have reduced production at a time when demand across Europe is increasing.
Major damage to production infrastructure
“Many plots have been affected by strong winds in Cartaya, Rociana, part of Moguer and Almonte, where insurance experts are still assessing the extent of the damage to metal structures and plastic covers used for strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and even blackberry crops,” explained Rafael Domínguez, director of Freshuelva. “In addition, some watercourses overflowed and plantations were flooded.”
A season already weakened by unstable weather
“This will lead to further crop losses in a season where we were already facing shortages due to highly unstable weather since December, with excessive rainfall and cold temperatures,” Domínguez added.
Tight supply amid rising demand
In recent weeks, strawberry and raspberry supply has remained limited, partly because other producing countries such as Morocco and Greece have also been affected by unfavorable weather conditions. Furthermore, with the Valentine’s Day campaign approaching, projections indicate a risk of insufficient production to meet market demand.
Return to normal expected within two weeks
Additional storms are forecast from the weekend onwards. “Producers are trying to repair the infrastructure as quickly as possible, given the alerts for further rainfall, in order to prevent additional damage to the crops. The sector will need at least two weeks to return to normal, during which production will remain limited.”