The berry sector (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) in the province of Huelva is at a pivotal moment, not only for shaping the present of these crops but also for defining their most immediate future and facing short-, medium- and long-term challenges.
The ongoing need to boost this key sector for Huelva’s economy—given the impact of recent poor seasons (drought, rising costs, prices, profitability, competition from third countries and new producers, variety selection…) and the new socio-economic context affecting sales, exports and margins of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries—calls for the creation of a permanent forum to assess, year after year, the real status of this dynamic industry and identify its greatest opportunities for improvement.
It was in this context that Freshuelva launched the Berry Congress in 2015, with a focus on a sector that has evolved and created new business opportunities beyond traditional strawberry cultivation, thanks to the incorporation of other berries such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.
The success of the nine previous editions—both in terms of participation and the number of companies represented—fully justifies Freshuelva’s decision to continue organising this now internationally recognised annual event, permanently hosted in Huelva as the key meeting point for the entire sector.
The congress brings together stakeholders from across the berry industry, including producers, marketers, and companies that provide direct-use products and services for this activity.
A key event
The International Berry Congress is now the most important joint gathering for the European Union’s berry sector and has significant global impact.
Its steady growth over the past nine editions, both in activity and attendance, has made it a landmark event for companies focused on berry production, marketing and export, as well as for suppliers of products and services connected to the sector.
Of particular note is the increasing number of companies participating in the commercial exhibition and stand area. To accommodate this, the 10th edition will feature expanded space to allow for greater business involvement.
Organisation
The 10th International Berry Congress is organised by Freshuelva, the association representing the majority of Spain’s berry producers and exporters, as well as the sector’s most prominent and active companies. Freshuelva is also responsible for developing the event’s content agenda.
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Institutional collaborators include the Huelva City Council, the Huelva Provincial Council, and the Andalusian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Sustainable Development. Extenda – Trade and Foreign Investment of Andalusia is also involved, contributing its expertise in internationalisation and export.
In addition, the exclusive main sponsorship of Fundación Caja Rural del Sur underscores the scale and importance of this event for the province, which is further consolidated as the global epicentre of berry production.
