The tenth edition of the International Red Fruit Congress concluded yesterday with a very positive outcome. The event brought together more than 1.700 professionals, who participated in nearly twenty presentations, conferences, and technical panels, and hosted more than 60 exhibition stands from supplier firms and auxiliary companies in the sector. This was complemented by numerous international meetings and trade missions, and the presentation of recognitions and awards to prominent figures who contribute to the growth of the red fruit sector. All of this has established the province of Huelva as the world capital of berries.

The institutional closing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Andalusian Government, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, who announced that the Andalusian government is ready to sign the protocol "now" to undertake the completion of the Alcolea dam and begin it "as soon as possible." "We have been working and negotiating with the Ministry for Ecological Transition for several months to unblock the completion of this strategic infrastructure," explained the Minister of Agriculture.

During his speech, he also announced that Andalusia will defend in Brussels the strengthening of operational programs for the fruit and vegetable sector through the Assembly of European Horticultural Regions (AREFLH), in addition to insisting on addressing “the flexibility of operational programs, an increase in funding, and the reduction of bureaucratic obstacles.”

The minister highlighted the potential and strategic importance of the berry sector, which is supported by very good export figures. In 2024, it sold almost 329.000 tons abroad, valued at more than €1.500 billion, €138 million more than in 2023. And all this, the minister indicated, despite the numerous challenges facing the sector, including the defense of quality, competitiveness against third countries, and the demand for more technology to be more profitable, in addition to the trade war across the Atlantic.

Fernández-Pacheco also recalled that the Ministry of Agriculture has made itself available to the sector to help and has collaborated closely with Freshuelva in an exceptional authorization process with the Ministry of Agriculture for the control of nematodes and soil fungi. "This is a fundamental advance for the sector that will allow us to continue producing normally," he added.

He also referred to the investments made in water resources in the province, where a total of 27 water supply and treatment infrastructure projects have been built, valued at more than €132 million in six years, and more than six projects (including water supply and treatment projects) are currently underway, valued at more than €20 million. 

Along these lines, he thanked the farmers for their efforts to focus on sustainability, quality, and internationalization despite the challenging international context and emphasized that, "thanks to these three key ingredients, we are positioned as leaders in international berry exports and are the Spanish region that produces and sells the most abroad."

In this regard, he referred to data from January to March 2025, a date in which more than 120.000 tons of berries were sold abroad from Andalusia, valued at almost €641 million. This represents almost 8 out of every 10 euros sold domestically and more than 80 percent of the weight.

Finally, the councilor emphasized that "this congress puts Andalusia on the international map and, after ten years, has established itself as an essential benchmark for a sector that is emblematic of innovation, sustainability, and economic development in Andalusia and, above all, that has a great future."

Recognition to the Board of Directors of Freshuelva

During this event, the Freshuelva presidency wished to acknowledge its Board of Directors, which is about to complete its term after three years of dedication, effort, voluntary commitment, and selfless work for the Huelva berry sector. This commendable work, for the collective benefit, has, to say the least, taken a lot of time away from their families and work.  

In this way, both the Minister of Agriculture and the President of Freshuelva, Francisco Gómez, gave a souvenir to the members of the Board of Directors, composed of Alberto Garrocho Robles, first vice president of Freshuelva, belonging to the Andalusian Cooperative Society Pitayas of Andalusia; José Antonio Martín Ortiz, Agromartín SL, second vice president; and the members of Freshuelva Enrique Molina Alfaro, Strawberry of Palos; Francisco Infantes Pavón, Bonafrú; Luis Vázquez Mora, from Grufesa; Francisco José Alfaro García, from Fruit of Andalusia; Rocio Alba Borrero, from El Pinar Fruits; Manuel Matos Rodríguez, from Doñana 1998; Francisco Antonio Marín Toro, from Algaida Productions; Mario Borja Sanz, from Borja Fruits; and Francisco José Barroso Moro, from Fran y Lolo SL. 

closing conference

Following the presentation of these awards, it was time for the closing conference, entitled "Sowing Health: How Berries Can Lead the Diet of Tomorrow," in which Pablo Ojeda, a nutritionist and senior nutritionist, gave an insight into the world of berries from the perspective of tradition, nutrition, and science. This presentation was sponsored by Gusto del Sur, a quality brand of the Andalusian Regional Government, and co-financed with funds from the FEDER. 

Pablo Ojeda, born in Seville in 1982, is a dietician, member of the Spanish Society for the Study of Obesity, and a specialist in obesity and eating disorders. He collaborates on television programs such as "Más vale tarde" (More Worth It Late) on La Sexta and is the author of several books on healthy eating, including "Comida, vamos a llevarnos bien" (Food, Let's Get Along).

In his talk, Ojeda highlighted the many health benefits of berries as foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, and minerals, making them a versatile and nutritious food.

In this way, he asserted that "berries, along with extra virgin olive oil, are among the best foods nature has given us," and encouraged us to take advantage of their "extraordinary antioxidant values," which help prolong and delay aging. 

In this regard, he highlighted the role that the Klotho protein plays in longevity and healthy aging, a role widely demonstrated by science. "Berries are number one in promoting this protein, and that's another of its essential keys, which is why I always say they should also be sold in pharmacies," said Ojeda. 

Delivery of a Provincial Council premises to Freshuelva

Following the closing conference, the Provincial Council's stand at the 10th International Red Fruit Congress hosted the handover of keys to a space that the Huelva Provincial Council has provided to Freshuelva for its activities at the provincial institution's Agro-Experimental Business Center. 

As the president of the Provincial Council explained, David Toscano, who presented the award to the president of Freshuelva, Francisco Gómez, "today we join forces with a strategic ally for the province such as Freshuelva, which represents the heart of the red 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 around the world."

In this way, and thanks to the transfer of this space, Freshuelva becomes part of the Provincial Council's Agro-Experimental Business Center, where, as Toscano explained, "we are creating a space for real collaboration between companies, researchers, technicians, and producers. A place where ideas are shared, solutions are tested, and the future of the Huelva countryside is considered."

"With this addition, the center grows in prestige, knowledge, and capacity to lead important projects, with or without external funding, always with a clear objective: to promote rural development and strengthen the Huelva brand as a synonym for quality," Toscano said.

For his part, the president of Freshuelva thanked the Huelva Provincial Council for its continued support of the berry sector through Freshuelva. This support has materialized in recent years through the Congress and now through the provision of a space that will allow us to continue advancing in research, quality, and excellence.