Agricultural output for Balearic Islands up 5.9 percent
Wine and olive oil in double digit growth
Figures released by the department of agriculture this week show that agricultural production across the Balearic Islands increased by 5.9% in 2010, with growth driven by wine, olive oil and speciality liquers or 'hierbas dulces'. In contrast, output levels for dairy produce, meat and potatoes were all down.
Total sales, across all product groups, were valued at €213.7 m, €12 million more than in 2009. Wine is the star performer across the islands, with sales of €21.7 million, up 15.8% versus 2009. In production terms 3.8 million litres of wine were processed. Sales of olive oil with the Mallorca 'designation of origin' were up a massive 17.3% with sales of nearly, €1.5 million.
Locally produced herbal liquers or 'hierbas dulces' are also in double digit growth (+15.5%), with a total volume sold of 1.3 million litres. The increase is driven by German consumers.
The products showing the greatest downturn were cheeses and local speciality 'sobrasada', a cured sausage with a paste like texture.
You can read more about Majorcan olive oil and local liqueurs in our Local Produce pages. Or visit our section on Wines and Vineyards of Mallorca.
