This year’s stone fruit season in Europe promises a wealth of variety and quality. Italy is delivering an abundance of nectarines from both the north and south, while Spain boasts a strong availability of flat peaches and nectarines. Both countries are currently facing challenges with peaches.

In Turkey, the cherry season benefits from optimal weather conditions in the main growing regions, and the sugar apricots from Malatya also show outstanding qualities.

While it is very warm in southern Europe, temperatures in the destination countries are still somewhat moderate, which dampens the demand for stone fruit.

 

Italy

Nectarines and Peaches:
The current harvesting areas in Italy include Calabria and Apulia in the south, as well as Emilia-Romagna in the north. In 2-3 weeks, Piedmont in the north will also contribute to production. While calibers A and B nectarines are available in sufficient quantities, there are currently production bottlenecks for peaches.

Apricots:
The apricot market shows a mixed situation. Due to various factors, demand in the destination countries is subdued. The supply from various countries puts pressure on prices, which remain mostly below the producers’ expectations. The quality of the apricots is good, but this year the produce does not store well, which may lead to a shortened season.

 

Spain

Peaches:
The peach season in Murcia is already over, while production bottlenecks are expected in Lérida until at least the end of week 27. Despite these challenges, the quality of the peaches from Lérida, including the white-fleshed varieties, is remarkable.

Nectarines:
Nectarines will still be available from Murcia for another 10-15 days. They are plentiful in Lérida, including white-fleshed varieties. Produce from Badajoz is currently not significant in the European market due to low quantities and quality issues caused by temperatures above 35°C.

Apricots:
The apricot season in Murcia is also coming to an end. Apricots from Lérida/Aragon have good qualities, and most of the laid-out produce is exported to Western Europe.

Flat Peaches: :
The availability and quality of flat peaches are currently at a very good level. Very large caliber produce is still being offered in Murcia, while the season is in full swing in Lérida and Aragon. All calibers are available, although this will change towards the end of the season in mid/late August.

 

 

Turkey

Cherries:
The season so far is promising. Temperatures between 29-37°C favor the work on the plantations, ensuring good quality and sufficient quantities. The main growing regions of Afyon, Isparta, and Konya guarantee good product availability. The end of the season is currently expected in week 30.

Sugar Apricots: :
The outlook here is also positive. The plantations promise good quality and volume, so no supply gaps are expected this year, unlike last year. The first produce of the Hacihaliloglu (Sekerpare) variety from the Malatya growing region has already arrived in the destination countries. As the typical spring frosts and hailstorms in the region did not occur, a very productive harvest and good quality are expected throughout the season.

 

 

June 2024