Fresa de Huelva seeks recognition with a Protected Geographical Indication for an important crop for Andalusia and for the gastronomy of all of Europe. This has been reported by the Department of Agriculture of the Government of Andalusia, which has initiated the European procedures for this recognition.
The main objective of Fresa de Huelva is to differentiate this fruit by its special organoleptic characteristics, such as “its exquisite flavor, its aroma and the intense red of the fruit” according to the Government spokesperson, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco. Without a doubt in Huelva It is the star fruit of Huelva agriculture. The production of this fruit contributes more than 11% of its GDP to Huelva's economy and employs more than 160 thousand people.
For its part, the Interprofessional Association of Andalusian Strawberries (Interfresa) believes that this Huelva Strawberry PGI will be a catalyst for the sector and will allow the product to be defended in national and international markets.
Huelva strawberry an important product for the territory
Fresa de Huelva produces more than 270 thousand tons of strawberries every year. The crop occupies an area of more than 6.300 hectares with a turnover that last year reached 1392 million euros. Furthermore, this crop in the province of Huelva represents 30% of the European market and 90% of the Spanish market.
On the other hand, and like many other crops in Spain, water management for its production is very important. The water footprint is also very important for European markets and their consumers, who increasingly demand more information about the environmental impact of their food. In this way, more than 90% of the strawberry sector in Huelva has international certification. Global. GAP Spring. This seal guarantees the water sustainability of the crop in the territory.
