The mirabelle plum harvest kicked off in the northeast French region of Lorraine last week, with forecasts predicting a volume of some 4,000 tonnes, less than half the usual output, according to RTL.fr.
The decline is being attributed to heavy frosts in mid-April, which severely affected the flowering of the trees.
Bruno Colin, director of co-operative Vegafruits, said that prices should rise slightly as a result.
But despite the drop in volume, producers are still anticipating exceptional sizes and taste.
'Climatic conditions in June and July have been favourable for mirabelles, which prefer mild weather that allows them to rest in order to produce beautiful fruits,' said Philippe Daniel, president of the Mirabelles of Lorraine association, which groups together around 70 per cent of the region's producers.
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