Adoración Blanque, president of the organization, highlighted the main aspects of a season that is drawing to a close, noting that rising production costs posed a major challenge for growers. “Labour alone accounts for 45% of costs, in addition to increasing expenses for fertilizers and seeds,” she stated. Other decisive factors included the impact of the October 2024 DANA storm and outbreaks of pests and diseases such as Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus and Thrips parvispinus in peppers.
On the positive side, ASAJA highlighted greater price stability throughout the campaign, with generally acceptable levels except for specific moments for eggplant, cucumber and zucchini. Overall, the campaign ended with better outcomes than the previous season. Unlike other years, spring was favourable in terms of both prices and production.
Data compiled by ASAJA’s technical service shows that the total cultivated area remained stable at 33,220 hectares. Land for melons and eggplants increased significantly, while areas for tomatoes and zucchini declined. Production volume was maintained and grew by 7%, reaching over 4.1 million tonnes. A notable point was the 11% drop in pepper production due to Thrips parvispinus, which is especially relevant as peppers remain the leading product in Almería’s vegetable sector.
“All in all, this was a stable and positive season, though growers had to make greater efforts to move their crops forward,” said the president.
Breakdown by Crop
Peppers remain the most important product. The cultivated area held steady at 12,678 hectares, but production dropped by 11% due to pest pressure. Revenue reached €1.198 billion (+16%).
Tomatoes saw a 2.4% reduction in cultivated area, mainly due to the impact of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) in the previous season, which led some growers to switch crops. However, production rose by 5.7%, reaching one million tonnes. Combined with better prices, revenue exceeded €1 billion (+46%).
Cucumbers had a solid season, aside from a few periods of low prices in spring. Cultivated area increased by 2%, production by 3%, and overall revenue by 35%.
Zucchini acreage dropped by 6% in 2024/25, resulting in lower yields. The product also experienced a sharp price decline, though final revenue reached €323 million (+6.7%).
Eggplants saw a 2.6% increase in cultivated area despite a poor harvest the year before. Production surged by 25%, and despite price drops in autumn and spring, revenue soared by 149%.
Melons and watermelons enjoyed a better spring than the previous year, particularly melons, with a 14% increase in area (nearly 3,000 ha). Despite early issues with fruit set, production rose by 1%, and revenue hit €98 million, a 61% increase over 2023/24.
Watermelons maintained stable acreage. Production rose by 10%, and despite rainy and cloudy weather early in the spring, revenue jumped by 91% to €313 million.
