Artichokes in Alicante: Cold Weather Lifts Prices and Quality

Artichoke growers in Alicante saw their hopes rise as a difficult start to the season gave way to a welcome cold snap. The drop in temperatures, once viewed as a threat to crops, quickly became a driver of higher quality and stronger markets. Prices for farmers rose by around 50 percent within a fortnight, offering a potential boost to sector turnover of roughly seven million euros.

What distinguishes winter vegetables, artichokes in particular, is their need for cool conditions to thrive. At the campaign’s outset, that cooling was conspicuously missing and thermometers registered temperatures well above what is typical for this time of year. Antonio Ángel Hurtado, president of Alcachofas Vega Baja, noted that the situation was unprecedented: the season felt more like spring, affecting both yield and quality. In Vega Baja and Camp d’Elx, yields were estimated near 30,000 tons, about 30 percent lower than the previous year.

Sales were not immune to these climate effects. Hurtado commented that the market’s mood is linked to cold, and that the absence of it dampened consumer interest in winter produce—creating a perceived but real slowdown in purchases.

Since the cold set in, however, the market dynamic reversed with surprising speed. Industry leaders pointed to a sharp rise in demand and stronger sales in recent days, as buyers returned to the scene as conditions became more favorable.

The Quality Factor

The overall quality of artichokes is improving. Hurtado explained that some regions showed visible outer-leaf marks from cold, but the cooler weather has generally boosted quality and opened the possibility of redirecting some crops to canning if needed.

Cold weather also gives Alicante producers a competitive edge. In the face of extreme heat experienced earlier, artichokes from other regions paused production but now stand to enter the market later than normal. This timing can drive price concessions that benefit local growers.

At Orihuela’s market, artichokes arrived with a touch of chill, a sign of the season’s shift and its potential to transform market dynamics.

All these factors have translated into higher prices for farmers, with current levels between 1.50 and 2 euros depending on variety and size. The price jump has lifted revenue projections, which could exceed seven million euros above earlier estimates, given that half of the crop remains to be harvested.

Pedro Valero, a producer and head of Asaja in Elche, echoed the sentiment. He noted that the cold, while tough at times, has not threatened the crop’s viability, and it is now developing under favorable conditions. Lower temperatures appear to support stronger sales, he added, though cautioned that production losses from the hot start mean the outlook remains mixed as the season continues.

Valero warned against rushing to market and urged monitoring demand and price movements through the end of the season. For now, however, sentiment is notably more positive as conditions improve.

winter vegetables cooked

Alberto Diego, a grower with La Unió in Camp d’Elx, acknowledged higher prices but also highlighted rising costs for farmers. He pointed to steep increases in electricity, water, and fertilizers, arguing that inflation is eroding any price gains and calling the situation an ongoing pressure on margins.

Artichokes emerged as the standout performer among winter vegetables, buoyed by the cooler weather and their market prestige. While other crops like broccoli, cauliflower, and romanesco also faced production drops and quality challenges, artichokes benefited from the cold and stronger prices, though not to the same extent seen at the campaign’s start.

Organic farming has benefited particularly from the momentary price strength, as organic products command higher value in certain markets and among specific buyers. Alberto Diego operates a diversified organic operation in Camp d’Elx, selling directly to individuals and consumer groups. He argues that direct sales and organic branding yield wider margins with wholesalers who value differentiated quality and local sourcing, reinforcing a circular economy with growing consumer support.

Nevertheless, he cautions that higher costs must be managed carefully to protect customers from steep price hikes. Inflation has affected spending power, so margins are being tightened to maintain loyalty. He also criticized government measures aimed at lowering shopping cart costs, suggesting some relief is not reaching consumers as expected. VAT reductions, in particular, haven’t translated into noticeable price relief at the shelf level.

Organic growers like Diego emphasize that sustaining price gains requires balancing cost pressures with consumer willingness to pay for premium, locally produced vegetables. The current climate, market signals, and consumer confidence together shape a delicate, ongoing balance for the sector.