New torrential rains fell this Wednesday in the south and east of Spain, reviving the fears of the victims, just two weeks after the devastating floods which left at least 223 dead, mainly in the Valencia region. In addition to this heavy human toll and much material damage, the agricultural sector was also devastated.
The damage is impressive, particularly in citrus fields, of which the Valencia region is a major exporter. In total, 50,000 hectares of crops could be affected. The losses are “catastrophic” and its consequences “incalculable”, assures the Spanish union Asaja (Agricultural Association of Young Farmers).
Fewer Spanish persimmons and citrus fruits sold in Luxembourg?
Remember that Spain is the leading European producer and exporter of fruits and vegetables within the European Union. For the year 2023, this southern European country produced more than 12,000 tonnes of fresh fruit, four times more than French production.
This situation is taken seriously by major retail players in the Grand Duchy. Requested by Comma, Auchan Retail Luxembourg says it is following market developments “carefully”. “In anticipation, certain difficulties have been announced for oranges, clementines and persimmons, with a shortened season for the latter,” says Pierre Friang, marketing manager.
An observation also shared at Cactus. “For easy peelers, already impacted by unfavorable conditions during flowering, and oranges, the effect of the rains remains limited thanks to other production areas such as the Seville region,” notes Natalia Sampaio, from the marketing department. .
In 2023, Spain exported 120,000 tonnes of persimmons. RFI (Radio France international) reports that Spain is the main exporter of persimmons. 70 to 80% of national production comes from the Valencia region. The harvest, which had started a month before the floods, was to continue until mid-December and the fruits were to be marketed until the end of January. However, flooding disrupted this usual schedule.
“At the moment, some producers are very difficult to contact. We know that they cannot go to their fields and that because of the floods, the electricity networks have to be completely redone. For clementines, we expect a 60% drop in arrivals for France., deplores to France Bluethe manager of a company in Perpignan, whose production is located in the Valence region.
Towards a price increase?
RFI notes that following a smaller harvest than last year for persimmons, producer prices had already increased by 10 to 20%.
Do Luxembourg retail players expect an increase in the prices of products from Spain? “Suppliers are announcing an increase in prices on other origins due to shortages of certain Spanish products, in particular eggplants, peppers, zucchini, salads,” observes Pierre Friang, marketing manager of Auchan Retail Luxembourg. The latter says he has not noticed any impact on prices at this stage:
The first impacts could take place in the coming weeks, but this remains to be monitored
Pierre Friang
responsable marketing Auchan Retail Luxembourg
As for Cactus, the Luxembourg brand indicates that it has not noticed “significant increases in the prices of citrus fruits, persimmons or other products from Spain”. “However, as with any product subject to climatic and logistical hazards, prices may change depending on supply and demand. We continue to monitor the situation and adapt our management accordingly,” replies Natalia Sampaio.
She also notes that “other producing countries, such as Morocco, also contribute to the supply during this period, which helps to balance the market”.
In these circumstances, Cactus says it “highlights local and seasonal products, which remain a valuable alternative in these circumstances, although their volume is limited”.
Deliveries continue, despite some disruptions
The Belgian brand Delhaize, which has just opened its 60th location in the Grand Duchy, also claims to be monitoring the “situation very closely”. “We are not feeling any impact at the moment. We are in contact with our suppliers there. Despite the difficult situation, they are able to continue deliveries,” assures Roel Dekelver, communications manager.
How is this situation perceived at La Provençale, the food wholesaler located in Leudelange? Marques Nuno, head of the logistics department, believes that “the impact is minimal, frankly for us, we don’t feel anything”. “We work with suppliers across Europe. The majority of products come daily from purchasing centers in Paris, Brussels and the Netherlands. And one to two days a week, we are delivered from Italy, Spain and Portugal.
The Fruits de Cactus center indicates that it only encountered “a few logistical disruptions in the days following the torrential rains”. “These disruptions were mainly due to transport difficulties (impassable roads) and the absence of staff in certain farms, affected locally.”
(with AFP)
