The tenth edition of the International Berry Congress drew to a close today with a very positive assessment of the activities that took place during an event that brought together more than 1,700 professionals and over 60 companies at the sector’s leading gathering, establishing the province of Huelva as the world capital of berries.
Over the course of these two days, more than 1,700 registered attendees took part in nearly twenty presentations, conferences and technical panels, and the event hosted over 60 exhibition stands from suppliers and ancillary companies in the sector, numerous meetings and international trade missions, and the presentation of awards and honours to prominent figures who contribute to the growth of the soft fruit sector.
The official closing ceremony was attended by Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, the Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Regional Government of Andalusia, who announced that the Andalusian Government is ready to sign the protocol “immediately” to take over the completion of the Alcolea dam and begin work “as soon as possible”. “We have been working and negotiating with the Ministry for Ecological Transition for several months now to unblock the completion of this strategic infrastructure,” he explained.
During his speech, he also announced that Andalusia would advocate in Brussels for the strengthening of operational programmes in the fruit and vegetable sector through the Assembly of European Horticultural Regions (AREFLH), whilst also emphasising the need to address “greater flexibility in operational programmes, increased funding and the reduction of bureaucratic red tape”.
The minister emphasised the potential and strategic importance of the soft fruit sector, which is backed by very strong export figures. In 2024, it exported almost 329,000 tonnes worth over €1.5 billion, €138 million more than in 2023. And all this, said the minister, “despite the numerous challenges facing the sector, among which he cited the need to uphold quality, competitiveness against third countries, and the demand for more technology to improve profitability, as well as the trade war across the Atlantic,” he noted.
Fernández-Pacheco also noted that the Regional Ministry of Agriculture has made itself available to assist the sector and has worked closely with Freshuelva on an exceptional authorisation process with the Ministry of Agriculture for the control of nematodes and soil fungi. “A fundamental step forward for the sector that will allow production to continue as normal,” he added.
He also referred to the investments made in water infrastructure in the province, where a total of 27 water supply and treatment facilities have been built over the past six years, at a cost of more than 132 million euros, and where more than six projects (also relating to water supply and treatment) are currently underway, at a cost of over 20 million euros.
In this vein, he thanked farmers for their commitment to sustainability, quality and internationalisation despite the difficult international context, and emphasised that, “thanks to these three key factors, we are leaders in the international export of soft fruits and are the Spanish region that produces and exports the most”.
In this regard, he referred to the figures for January to March 2025, during which time Andalusia exported over 120,000 tonnes of soft fruits worth almost 641 million euros, accounting for almost 8 out of every 10 euros sold nationally and over 80 per cent of the total volume.
Finally, the minister emphasised that “this congress puts Andalusia on the international map and that, after ten years, it has established itself as an essential benchmark for a sector that is a symbol of innovation, sustainability and economic development in Andalusia and, above all, one with a bright future”.
Acknowledgement to the Board of Directors of Freshuelva
During the event, the Freshuelva Presidency wished to pay tribute to its Board of Directors, which is about to complete its term of office after three years of dedication, hard work, voluntary commitment and selfless service to Huelva’s soft fruit sector – a commendable effort for the common good which has, at the very least, taken a great deal of time away from their families and their day jobs.
Accordingly, both the Regional Minister for Agriculture and the President of Freshuelva, Francisco Gómez, presented a memento to the members of the Board of Directors, comprising Alberto Garrocho Robles, First Vice-President of Freshuelva, representing the Andalusian Cooperative Society Pitayas de Andalucía; José Antonio Martín Ortiz, of Agromartín SL, second vice-president; and the members of Freshuelva’s Board: Enrique Molina Alfaro, of Fresón de Palos; Francisco Infantes Pavón, of Bonafrú; Luis Vázquez Mora, of Grufesa; Francisco José Alfaro García, of Fruta de Andalucía; Rocío Alba Borrero, of Frutas El Pinar; Manuel Matos Rodríguez, of Doñana 1998; Francisco Antonio Marín Toro, of Algaida Producciones; Mario Borja Sanz, of Frutas Borja; and Francisco José Barroso Moro, of Fran y Lolo SL.
Conferencia de clausura
Following the presentation of these awards, it was time for the closing lecture, entitled ‘Sowing health: how berries can lead the way in tomorrow’s diet’, in which science communicator and senior dietetics specialist Pablo Ojeda explored the world of berries from the perspectives of tradition, nutrition and science. This presentation was sponsored by Gusto del Sur, a quality brand of the Regional Government of Andalusia, and is co-financed by ERDF funds.
Pablo Ojeda, born in Seville in 1982, is a dietitian, a member of the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity, and a specialist in obesity and eating disorders. He appears on television programmes such as ‘Más vale tarde’ on La Sexta and is the author of several books on healthy eating, including ‘Comida, vamos a llevarnos bien’.
In his talk, Ojeda highlighted the many health benefits of red berries as foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fibre and minerals, making them a versatile and nutritious food.
He stated that “berries, together with extra virgin olive oil, are among the best foods nature has given us”, and encouraged people to take advantage of their “extraordinary antioxidant properties”, which help to slow down and delay the ageing process.
In this regard, he highlighted the role played by the Klotho protein in longevity and healthy ageing, a fact widely demonstrated by science. “Berries are the number one source of this protein, and therein lies another of their key benefits; that’s why I always say they should also be sold in pharmacies,” said Ojeda.
Handover of premises from the Provincial Council to Freshuelva
Following the closing conference, the Provincial Council’s stand at the 10th International Berry Congress hosted the handover ceremony for a set of keys to premises that the Huelva Provincial Council has made available to Freshuelva for its activities at the provincial institution’s Agricultural Experimental Business Centre.
As explained by the President of the Provincial Council, David Toscano, who handed over the keys to the President of Freshuelva, Francisco Gómez, “today we are joining forces with a strategic ally for the province, Freshuelva, which represents the heart of the soft fruit sector, one of the most important for Huelva: it generates 11% of our provincial GDP, thousands of jobs and an image of excellence that places us in markets across the globe”.
In this way, and thanks to the provision of these premises, Freshuelva becomes part of the Provincial Council’s Agricultural Business Centre, where, as Toscano explained, “we are creating a space for genuine collaboration between businesses, researchers, technicians and producers. A place where ideas are shared, solutions are tested and we think about the future of Huelva’s countryside”.
“With this addition, the centre grows in prestige, knowledge and capacity to lead important projects, with or without external funding, always with a clear objective: to boost rural development and reinforce the Huelva brand as a synonym for quality,” said Toscano.
For his part, the president of Freshuelva thanked Huelva Provincial Council for “its ongoing backing and support for the soft fruit sector through Freshuelva”, support that has taken shape in recent years through the Congress and now “with the provision of premises that will enable us to continue making progress in research, quality and excellence”.
