Spain: Price of fruit and vegetables in retail trade fell in the first quarter of 2010

The prices of fruit and vegetables in the Spanish retail trade decreased 15.7% in the first trimester of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, according to the data from the "Observatory of Food Prices and Drugstore Retail Trade in Spain" from the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Commerce. Compared to the previous trimester (October-December 2009), prices have also fallen by a solid 6.4%.

In regard to the prices of fruit and vegetables of different cities in Spain, it appears that Huelva is the city with the lowest prices and Pamplona is the most expensive city.

The five Spanish cities with the lowest prices on fruit and vegetables during the first trimester of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 are Huelva, Zaragoza, Jerez de la Frontera, Toledo and Cuenca. On the other hand, the most expensive are Pamplona, Santander, Lleida, Soria, and San Sebastian.

In the last year, prices of fruit and vegetables have decreased in all cities. The biggest fall was recorded in Valencia (-23.2%), and lowest in Oviedo (-5.9%). As to the fourth trimester of 2009, prices have decreased in most cities. The major decrease occurred in Valencia (-13.9%), and the largest increase in Huesca (+6.4%)

With regard to formats, the Observatory of Food Prices and Drugstore in Retail in Spain indicates that in the first trimester of 2010 medium-sized supermarkets are positioned as the cheapest form of fruits and vegetables. The supply market is the format with higher prices. In fruit and vegetables, the price difference by format is a maximum of 8%.

In general, in the food sector, prices of all products observed in the first trimester of 2010 by this Observatory have been reduced compared to the previous trimester, and compared to the same period of 2009. This downward trend is observed extensively in all cities, formats and banners.