Santarem, Portugal, May 25, 2026 (Lusa) - The small fruit sector in Portugal has tripled the value of its exports over the last decade, reaching €398 million in 2025, driven mainly by raspberry production, according to the president of the fruit, veg and flower promotor, Portugal Fresh, Gonçalo Santos Andrade.
"In terms of exports, the sector was worth around €85 million 10 years ago and has been growing steadily ever since," he told Lusa on Monday, emphasising that the increase has been consistent and significant, with the figure exceeding €200 million in 2018, €250 million in 2022 and approaching €300 million in 2023, before reaching the current €398 million.
The sector’s growth is linked to international demand, particularly from European Union (EU) markets, and to the growing popularity of healthier diets, he said.
“There is a very strong trend among consumers towards seeking balanced diets based on these products, which creates potential for us to continue growing,” he said.
Portuguese exports of small fruits are mainly destined for the EU, with markets such as Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands among the main destinations, in addition to the United Kingdom.
In recent years, Middle Eastern countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, have also seen “a significant increase”.
In the case of raspberries, the value of exports reached around €258 million in 2025, with an average price of €8.65 per kilogram.
Spain emerges as the main destination market, accounting for 32% of the total, followed by France with 20%, the Netherlands with 19%, and Germany with 13%. Around 96% are destined for EU countries.
As for blueberries, the value of exports reached €53 million in 2025, with an average price of €6.59 per kilogram.
Spain also leads the way, accounting for 37% of exports, followed by France (25%), the Netherlands (17%) and Germany (6%). The EU market accounts for around 96% of exports.
Strawberries accounted for a residual share of between 1% and 2%.
Production is mainly in the south-west of the Alentejo region, which has been decisive for the sector’s expansion, benefiting from climatic conditions that allow for year-round production.
“Portugal is the only country in Europe that manages to produce raspberries and blackberries 52 weeks a year, which gives us a clear competitive advantage,” he said, explaining that, although other countries start their peak volume seasons earlier, domestic production stands out for its year-round continuity.
Even so, despite the growth, he highlighted the sector’s main challenges, citing water availability as the primary concern.
“If you ask me what the three main challenges are, I would say the first is water, the second is water and the third is water,” he emphasised, calling for investment in water storage and management infrastructure.
He also emphasised the importance of implementing projects such as the reinforcement of dams and irrigation systems, saying that only around 15% of agricultural land has access to irrigation.
Despite the difficulties, he expressed optimism about the future, noting that small-scale producers contribute to economic growth and help retain people in sparsely populated areas.
“The agri-food sector has gained prominence in the economy and accounts for a significant share of national exports,” he said.
He also noted that the focus on small fruits at the National Agriculture Fair (FNA 26), taking place in Santarém from 6 to 14 June, reflects the strategic importance of this sector for Portuguese agriculture, “in terms of production, exports and employment”.
JYRE/MYAL // AYLS
Lusa
