At KÖLLA, we are confident about the upcoming stone fruit season and anticipate a good harvest in both Italy and Greece. However, water scarcity in parts of Spain during summer will pose a challenge.

The first apricots from Spain are already available, and Italian produce will be available in calendar weeks 18/19. Nectarines from the Huelva region are also available, albeit in small quantities and smaller sizes. In Italy, growth is somewhat slowed by a cold snap; we expect the first quantities in calendar weeks 19/20.

Spain
The stone fruit season in Spain promises a similar dynamic to the previous year. We anticipate a stable and normal season with no excessive surpluses or shortages, although water scarcity remains a challenging issue for producers.

Kickoff in Huelva
The season has already started in Huelva, with some producers starting to harvest their first crops. Nectarines of smaller calibers, ranging from 8.5 to 11 Brix for white-fleshed varieties and 7 to 8 Brix for yellow ones, are already available. Quantities are limited due to only a few producers starting their harvest, leading to availability variations based on region and harvest start dates.

In the Murcia region, especially in Mazarron, the harvest has begun earlier than usual, about 8 to 10 days ahead of the average schedule, mainly in greenhouse production.

Starting from calendar week 17, we can expect larger quantities of peaches, nectarines, and apricots from open-field cultivation in Murcia. Of particular interest are flat peaches available from calendar week 18/19 and flat nectarines from calendar week 22.

 

Italy
Italy is also gearing up for a promising season. Southern regions like Calabria, Basilicata, and Apulia are experiencing good blossoms and no frost damage, signaling a fruitful harvest and ample availability of stone fruits.

In the north, especially in Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Piedmont, the season begins in mid-to-late June. Combined with the southern regions, we anticipate significant produce from Italy in the latter half of the season, ensuring continuous supply alongside Spanish harvests.

Greece
Greece starts its stone fruit season slightly later than Spain and Italy. Current indicators suggest a promising start with stable weather and temperatures ranging between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius. These mild conditions may lead to an earlier start than last year.

Despite the almost overly mild temperatures, there have been no significant damages so far, indicating a successful season ahead. However, much depends on weather stability in the upcoming weeks.

 

Turkey

A brief overview of Turkey’s current developments is crucial, especially for the upcoming cherry season.

The mild winter with little rain hasn’t adversely affected the upcoming season. Conditions are favorable for a good harvest, contrasting with last year’s unusually long rains that hampered production. Major cultivation areas like Alasehir, Afyon, Isparta, and Denizli ensure abundant yields. Good sizes and qualities overall point towards a promising season, keeping us optimistic for the weeks ahead.

 

 

 

April 2024