High pepper prices persist in Spain and Italy due to weather losses

Pepper wholesale prices in Spain and Italy remained high in late July due to heatwaves and hail, reducing supply and affecting competitiveness on European markets.

In Spain, green pepper prices at major wholesale markets between July 21 and 24 remained elevated. Mercamadrid reported prices of €2.40–2.63/kg, Mercavalència €1.40–1.90/kg, and Mercabilbao €1.75–2.00/kg. These levels are significantly above average for the period and are attributed to lower availability caused by plant health problems, heatwaves, and hail damage. The high prices have reduced the competitiveness of Spanish peppers on European markets.

Italy also saw increasing wholesale pepper prices in the last week of July. The Italian harvest has been particularly low this season, especially in regions hit by adverse weather such as heatwaves and hailstorms in the north. This reduced supply has increased demand for imports from Spain and the Netherlands, particularly in Central European countries.

The United Kingdom has responded to frequent supply disruptions from southern Europe by signing new ten-year contracts between major retail chains (such as Sainsbury's) and domestic greenhouse pepper growers. This move aims to increase the share of British-grown peppers on the market and reduce reliance on imports from regions affected by extreme weather.

The supply situation in both Spain and Italy is expected to continue influencing pepper prices and trade flows in Europe. Reduced harvests in these countries are likely to create greater import demand from other European markets, including Poland, which may see higher prices and increased competition for available supplies.

In Hungary, the sector is preparing for the annual Hungarian Pepper Day in early September, focusing on production challenges and innovations amid ongoing supply pressures in the region.

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