Dutch importer Staay Food Group says its Spanish stonefruit campaign will begin around ten days later than normal this year due to low temperatures and heavy rainfall in March.
The company, which works closely with Seville-based grower SAT Sintesis (Primor), commented: “Although the rain has contributed to well-filled water reserves, the persistently changeable weather with little sunlight has delayed ripening and affected fruit quality.”
Despite the delay, the first nectarines and peaches in Seville are said to be reaching their desired colour and weight, the company contined.
“The first shipments to the Netherlands are expected in week 19. The harvest from Murcia will follow in week 20, where the weather has been less unpredictable and the outlook is more favourable, particularly for the Paraguayo variety. These are expected from Murcia from week 21 onwards.”
Looking further ahead, it indicated that supplies from Badajoz would start around week 22. “The outlook there is positive. In Lleida, the harvest is expected around week 24/25.”
Fewer apricots and plums
According to Staay, Murcia’s apricot harvest in Murcia is expected to start in week 20, a week later than normal – although volumes are limited due to unfavourable weather. A better harvest is expected in Lleida.
For plums, production in Spain is about 40 per cent lower this year due to wet conditions during flowering, which meant poor pollination and therefore lower yields.
The first cherries from the Jerte Valley are expected from week 22. “This harvest has been delayed by more than two weeks due to rain and low temperatures,” the company noted.
“In summary, despite lower volumes of mainly apricots and plums, we expect to be able to provide a stable supply of good quality fruit again this season. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely information on relevant developments.”
