Increasing demand for flat peaches across European markets is expected to fuel greater production levels and investment in the product in Spain, with one leading Spanish producer anticipating a 70 per cent rise in volumes this season.
Although production of flat peaches is still relatively modest compared with other stonefruit categories, Rupert Maude from Murcia-based plum and flat peach producer told Eurofruit Magazine that demand is currently “outstripping supply” in key markets, such as the UK.
Spanish producers believe consumers in many European countries are now beginning to discover the product, whose quality as well as the novelty of its flat, round appearance is helping drive demand.
“People are paying top dollar for flat peaches, but although the huge amount of flat peaches being planted in Spain will level off, it has made a massive impact,” said Maude.
“There’s a novelty factor, but people also like the product – it’s very appealing to children.”
Josep Lluís Trilla, from Catalonia-based stonefruit specialist Actel, said that based on this demand, his company expected to increase this season’s production to 1,200 tonnes from 650 tonnes in 2010.
He said: “Why is there demand? Because it’s a fruit that’s being discovered in many markets, and they like it a lot because today the varieties are bigger in size, with a very good consistency and eating quality.”
Actel exports approximately 75 per cent of its flat peach production to principally Germany, Russia and Poland, as well as a number of other European markets.
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