Huelva, 12 June 2026.
The event, organised by Freshuelva, will bring together producers, companies, researchers and institutions on 17 and 18 June to discuss the major challenges facing the soft fruit sector
Registration remains open on the conference website: www.congresofrutosrojos.com
The 11th International Berry Congress, organised by Freshuelva and due to take place on 17 and 18 June at Casa Colón in Huelva, will once again make the province an international hub for the berry sector, with a programme focusing on markets, innovation, sustainability, health, social responsibility and the main challenges currently facing producers and companies.
The official presentation of the Congress took place this Friday at Casa Colón, attended by the president of Freshuelva, Francisco José Gómez; the mayor of Huelva, Pilar Miranda; the president of the Provincial Council, David Toscano; the managing director of the Andalusian Agency for Agricultural and Fisheries Management (AGAPA), José Carlos Álvarez; and the director of the Caja Rural del Sur Foundation, Emilio Ponce.
During his speech, the president of Freshuelva highlighted that the Congress is once again “a major meeting point for producers, marketers, ancillary businesses, researchers, technicians, government bodies, members and partner companies”, but he emphasised that the event also represents “a great opportunity to show the world who we are”.
Francisco José Gómez stated that “when we talk about soft fruits, we are also talking about the Huelva brand”, highlighting that the province has become an international benchmark thanks to the work of thousands of farmers, companies and professionals. He also noted that the sector is approaching this year’s event “after a tough and complicated season that has once again demonstrated the hard work, professionalism and dedication of our farmers and our companies”.
The president of Freshuelva noted that the Congress will be an opportunity to analyse the challenges facing the sector, share experiences and continue building its future together, with a high-calibre programme and speakers of national and international renown.
For her part, the Mayor of Huelva, Pilar Miranda, stated that Huelva City Council “is proud to be collaborating once again in an event that has established itself as the leading professional gathering for the berry sector in Europe and as one of the major international events linked to agriculture and healthy eating”.
Miranda also highlighted that the Congress “has a value that goes beyond the strictly economic, because it helps to strengthen the Huelva brand, projects our image in markets around the world and reinforces our position as a city linked to knowledge, innovation and development”.
The President of the Huelva Provincial Council, David Toscano, stated that “berries represent much more than an economic activity. They are one of the defining features of our province and one of Huelva’s best calling cards in international markets”.
Toscano added that “the Huelva brand is not limited to the quality of its products. It also speaks of a way of working based on knowledge, sustainability, collaboration and the ability to face challenges whilst continuing to evolve”.
Speaking on behalf of the Regional Government of Andalusia, AGAPA’s managing director, José Carlos Álvarez, described the Congress as “a strategic event for Andalusia” and stated that the soft fruit sector represents “one of the greatest historical successes of the Andalusian countryside”. Álvarez highlighted that Huelva is now an international benchmark thanks to the innovation, hard work and entrepreneurship of its businesses and farmers, whilst also noting the economic significance of an industry that generates thousands of jobs and is one of Andalusia’s main economic drivers.
The head of AGAPA noted that the sector faces significant challenges relating to food safety and security, labour availability and competition from third countries, and argued for the need to strengthen collaboration between public authorities, agricultural organisations, financial institutions and businesses.
For his part, the director of the Caja Rural del Sur Foundation, Emilio Ponce, highlighted the organisation’s ongoing commitment to the Congress since its first edition, describing it as “a vital and important initiative” for the sector as a whole. Ponce noted that the Foundation has been working for years alongside agricultural and business organisations “seeking modernisation solutions that enable products of the highest quality and at the best price to be placed on international markets”.
He also highlighted that the Congress will once again demonstrate “the necessary unity of the sector” and emphasised that training, innovation and cooperation are key elements for the province’s economic and social development. “It is better to cooperate than to compete,” he concluded.
A programme focused on the future of the sector
The 11th International Berry Congress will feature a programme addressing some of the most pressing issues for the present and future of the berry sector.
The opening address will be delivered by writer and leadership expert Luis Galindo, whilst the closing session will be led by international branding specialist Andy Stalman.
Highlights include the market presentation by Mario Steta, Chairman of the Board of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO), entitled ‘Blueberries as a driver of growth in the global soft fruit sector: implications for Spain’, as well as the presentation of the clinical trial led by Freshuelva and the University of Huelva on the benefits of strawberry consumption for women’s health.
The programme will also include round-table discussions on social responsibility and local development, focusing on circular migration and entrepreneurship among women recruited in their home countries, as well as a cooking demonstration by chef Daniel del Toro to highlight the culinary potential of red berries.
In addition, the Congress will feature an extensive programme of technical talks led by leading companies in the sector and a large exhibition area that will once again transform Casa Colón into a venue for networking, business and knowledge exchange for the entire berry industry.
Having brought together more than 1,700 professionals at its last edition, the 11th International Red Berries Congress is still accepting registrations via its official website: www.congresofrutosrojos.com