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Aguirre highlights the dynamism and export potential of the Valencian flower and plant sector

The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, José Luis Aguirre, highlighted "the dynamism and export potential of the flower and plant sector of the Valencian Community" during a visit to Iberflora, the International Plant and Flower Fair, Technology and Bricojardí, which takes place between October 3 and 5 at the Fira Valencia facilities.

The event brings together a total of 408 firms that present the offer of the flowers and plants sector, and has a special focus on ornamental plants, technological applications and products in the field of gardening.

Together with the councillor, the general director of Agricultural Production and Livestock, Leticia Sanchiz, and the general director of Industry and the Agri-Food Chain, Inmaculada Marco, attended.

During his visit, Aguirre pointed out that "there are more and more companies and associations that want to come, and from the Ministry, and the organizers, we are trying to keep growing and continue to be a reference for plant producers and the rural environment ".

In addition, the councilor has also emphasized the strength of the sector and its orientation towards the foreign market, which has positioned the Valencian Community as an autonomy with great export potential.

In the same way, José Luis Aguirre has referred to the projection of Iberflora as the fair of national and international reference in the sector, and has remarked that it is an excellent platform for companies and buyers as a space for international trade exchanges. In this sense, it should be remembered that around 26% of the exhibitors participating in Iberflora 2023 are foreigners.

Exports of flowers and live plants from the Valencian Community reached a value of 163.1 million euros in 2022. Between January and July 2023, they already reach 131.6 million euros.

The main buyers of these Valencian products abroad are, first of all, in France; followed at a distance by Germany and the Netherlands, and with a lower amount, Italy and Belgium.

The Valencian Community has an area of 2,204 hectares dedicated to the cultivation of flowers and ornamental plants, from which a production of 118.5 million dozen is obtained. Production in 2022 obtained a value of 418.6 million euros.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Aguirre highlights the dynamism and export potential of the Valencian flower and plant sector

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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