High pepper prices persist in Spain and Italy amid supply shortages

Wholesale pepper prices remain high in key Spanish and Italian markets due to reduced supply from weather events and plant health issues, impacting European trade flows.

In Spain, wholesale green pepper prices between July 21–24, 2026, were reported at €2.63–2.40/kg in Mercamadrid, €1.90–1.40/kg in Mercavalència, and €2.00–1.75/kg in Mercabilbao. These prices are considered persistently high in comparison to previous seasons, reducing the competitiveness of Spanish peppers on the European market.

Italy also recorded rising wholesale pepper prices in the last week of July 2026. The increase is linked to heatwaves and hail damage, particularly in northern regions, which have significantly reduced available volumes. Italian pepper supplies are especially low this season in weather-affected areas, creating increased demand for imports from Spain and the Netherlands in Central European countries.

The limited supply across Southern Europe has intensified competition among supplier countries, with Central and Eastern European importers seeking alternative sources to cover shortfalls. This situation is expected to impact the availability and export prices of peppers for countries such as Poland, which rely on imports from Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands.

In the United Kingdom, major supermarket chains such as Sainsbury’s have signed new ten-year contracts with domestic greenhouse vegetable producers, including pepper growers. This move aims to increase the share of British-grown peppers and reduce risks from frequent supply disruptions caused by Southern European weather extremes.

Adverse weather conditions—specifically heatwaves and hail—continue to affect the pepper harvest in Spain and Italy, with plant health problems further limiting yields. These factors maintain upward pressure on prices and may influence trade flows and pricing in the broader European market.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI