There is more broccoli in Spain, but less good

In Spain's Murcia region, which is the primary area for broccoli cultivation, the area dedicated to growing broccoli has expanded by 21%, leading to a harvest of 224 thousand tons from 14 thousand hectares, marking a 13.5% increase compared to the previous year. Despite the larger area, the yield per hectare has been subpar due to adverse weather conditions and plant diseases, particularly alternaria. This has resulted in a lower overall production and a higher proportion of lower quality crops. The surge in demand for broccoli, coupled with a limited supply of high-quality produce, has driven up prices both for producers and retailers. While the price of quality broccoli starts at 2-2.20 euros per kilogram, retail prices can reach as high as 3.50 euros per kilogram, reflecting the increased cost and the market's preference for higher quality produce.