Coag Spain nectarines

With the stonefruit season closing, Spanish growers have been left disappointed as lower volumes have not led to strong returns.

According to Coag, the coalition of Spanish agricultural organisations, output fell year-on-year by 23 per cent for nectarines, 12 per cent for peaches, 11 per cent for plums and 2 per cent for cherries.

The only stonefruit line to show an increase in volumes compared with last season was apricots.

David Borda, who heads up the stonefruit section at Coag said: 'Despite having had a more even spread of varieties coming onto the marketplace in a timely manner, better demand for the fruit and less pressure in terms of supply volume, average prices have not been in line with forecasts.'

Early stonefruit varieties reportedly did well with good eating quality and no problems with pest or disease.

Average prices were around the €0.80-1.20/kg mark.However, during the height of the season, peach prices fell to just €0.35-0.45/kg and apricots averaged €0.45/kg.

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