Spanish Broccoli and Cauliflower Prices Increase Due to Adverse Weather

The price of fresh cauliflower and broccoli increased in Spain due to lower supply, despite steady demand. Spanish broccoli and cauliflower production in 2020 was 746,000 mt, a 5.51% YoY increase, compared to production in 2019 at 707,000 mt. From 2016-2020, production increased by 22.95% due to the increased harvest area and the implementation of new varieties. However, cauliflower and broccoli production in 2022 is expected to decrease yield and quality due to excessive rains and frosts. Based on Tridge's data, the price has increased 26.22% YoY, from USD 1.35/kg in W3 Mar-21 to USD 1.83/kg in W4 Mar-22.

During production, excessive rain and frost caused a decrease in the yield and quality of cauliflower and broccoli. Weather forecasts also expect continued precipitation, which will delay harvest as the weather will prevent farmers from entering the field. Furthermore, sand haze in some regions of Spain may affect the upcoming harvest by influencing the quality of ripe cauliflower and broccoli negatively and adding the cost of after-harvest manipulation. Another factor that may affect cauliflower and broccoli prices is the delayed harvest in the Netherlands and France. France and the Netherlands supplied over 40% (USD 3.9M) of broccoli and cauliflower imports to Spain in 2020. Amid rising energy prices, production in greenhouses in the Netherlands and France, which have similar seasonality to Spanish broccoli, is delayed because of the cold weather that extended the vegetation, creating a reduced supply on the market.

In terms of exports, Spain exports the most to the United Kingdom (29.6%), Germany (15.7%), the Netherlands (13.4%), and France (10.4%). According to trade data from 2016-2020, exports values show positive growth, with a 37.87% increase, from USD 413M in MY 2016 to USD 547M MY 2020. The current deficiency in Spanish broccoli and cauliflower supply may affect exports in 2022.

It is estimated that about 40% of the yield in Spain will be lost due to weather conditions and floods. Farmers face a challenging case as they cannot enter fields to finish the harvest, while they have to deliver the contracted quantity by the agreed date. Furthermore, the hauler's strike in Spain makes it challenging to distribute broccoli to customers in the UK. However, the market situation is expected to improve with better weather conditions, transport services, and an increase in the supply of broccoli from the Netherlands and France.