Andalusia is currently in the spotlight ahead of regional elections taking place this coming Sunday. In the fresh fruit and vegetable sector, the region has strengthened its contribution to Spanish exports, establishing itself as the country’s leading export region, accounting for 33% of total export volume and 38.5% of total national value in 2025.

Over the past five years, from 2021 to 2025, Andalusia has seen a decline in fresh fruit and vegetable export volumes, in line with the broader trend across Spain. Volumes stood at 3.9 million tonnes in 2025, down 2% on 2024 and a steeper fall compared with 2021, when exports reached 4.41 million tonnes, according to data from the Spanish Tax Agency’s Customs and Excise Department, processed by Fepex.

By sector, vegetables remain the main driver of export volume, at 2.6 million tonnes in 2025, representing close to half of the national total (49%). Fruit exports reached 1.3 million tonnes, accounting for 20% of the national total.

In contrast to the volume trend, the value of Andalusian exports has followed a clearly positive trajectory. In 2025, total export value reached €7.195 billion, up 5.7% on 2024 and 19.3% higher than in 2021. This growth has allowed Andalusia to increase its share of national totals, reaching 38.5% of Spain’s total fresh fruit and vegetable export value, compared with 33% by volume.

By segment, vegetables generated €4.237 billion, up 4% year on year, accounting for 52% of Spain’s total export value in this category. Fruit reached €2.958 billion, up 8% on 2024, increasing its share of the national total to 28.2%.

In terms of the leading export products by volume in 2025, the list is dominated by greenhouse vegetables and a key fruit crop, watermelon. Cucumber leads the way with 629,792 tonnes exported, representing 82% of the national total; pepper follows with 505,268 tonnes, accounting for 68% of the national total; and tomato with 431,806 tonnes and a 74% share. Watermelon is also notable with 353,555 tonnes, representing 42% of the national total, and courgette with 337,672 tonnes, accounting for 81% of the national total.

By value, alongside vegetables, berries and avocado stand out. Andalusia’s pepper exports reached €1.149 billion in 2025, with a 69.5% national share, followed by cucumber at €951 million (81%) and tomato at €769 million (73%).

Strawberry follows with €678 million (78% share) and blueberry with €529 million (77% share), with raspberry also notable at €420 million and avocado at €384 million.

Trends recorded over recent years show that Andalusia plays a structurally key role in Spain’s fresh fruit and vegetable exports, particularly in fresh vegetables, where it leads the market by a wide margin. At the same time, growth in export value despite the volume adjustment reflects, according to Fepex, a greater economic contribution from the sector, underpinned by highly competitive products and segments with strong demand in international markets.

Data from the Spanish Tax Agency’s Customs and Excise Department covers only fresh fruit and vegetable exports, recorded under tariff chapters 07 and 08. These chapters include fresh fruit and vegetables, which make up the majority of the group, as well as other sub-chapters such as pulses, dried fruits, and certain processed fruit lines, which are not included in Fepex’s statistics.

For more information: www.fepex.es