Mercabarna’s network of distributor associations is planning to move a substantial volume of fresh products, aiming to ship around 103,000 tons. The mix includes fish and seafood, a wide range of fruits and vegetables, and all kinds of meat—from chicken and pork to lamb and premium cuts of veal. Prices for these products are announced each year in their traditional format, and the forecast for 2023 aligns with that approach, albeit with a modest rise. Fruits and vegetables stand out as particularly vulnerable to climate-related pressures. Jaume Flores, vice president of the Mercabarna Wholesale Companies Association, noted that Aledo grapes, a staple for New Year’s celebrations, are expected to rise sharply, especially given a weak Mediterranean harvest.
“The climate inflation effect is real, and after several stormy months through September, it looks like normalization is returning,” Flores said. The industry anticipates guaranteed products, but with higher price points. Pere Prats, vice president of the fruit association, highlighted the effort by distributors to secure grapes for year-end supply, while vegetables are also likely to see price increases due to a restrained harvest. A note about artichokes followed, illustrating broader vegetable market dynamics.
On the flip side, the Christmas shopping cart reveals more stability in fish prices. The relative weight of frozen foods remains a key factor, helping the sector manage inflation and weather the drops in catches caused by recent sea disturbances. Two clear examples are frozen crayfish and shrimp, which showed a notable 30% decline versus 2022, and Máñez reported that aquaculture experienced an approximate 15% dip in salmon.
Chickens at affordable prices and of high quality
The discussion also covered poultry, with remarks that prices are holding steady or even trending downward in some instances. Josep Capdevila, a prominent Mercabarna meat wholesaler and a member of the Catalan Academy of Gastronomy and Nutrition, pointed out that production has normalized this year and that lower grain costs have supported favorable outcomes for poultry systems, including duck production. Capdevila emphasized that duck farming, particularly in open-field conditions, benefits native breeds such as those found in Penedès, Catalonia, making them well suited for festive meals.
However, the meat section also carries less uplifting news for those planning substantial holiday feasts. Martí Colomer, a spokesman for Mercabarna’s meat sector, warned that beef and other festive cuts could be scarce and expensive, driven in part by drought conditions. As an alternative, Colomer suggested opting for a boneless leg of lamb, which can be roasted with a mix of spices and aromatic herbs, paired with potatoes. Interestingly, potatoes—one of the few vegetables anticipated to see price relief—are highlighted as a potential exception amid overall vegetable price pressures.