French co-operative Terraneo has declared itself to be the leading marketer of summer fruit in the southern region of Languedoc-Roussillon, with an expected volume of 16,000 tonnes.
For apricots, the co-operative's capacity keeps growing, with 6,000 tonnes forecast this season thanks to the emergence of young orchards.
Following a weather-affected season in 2013, peach production is also expected to rebound strongly, with volumes estimated at 10,000 tonnes.
Terraneo is also beginning to receive the first results of its development plan for cultivating apples at medium altitude in the region of Prades, with the aim eventually being to grow 3,000 tonnes of strong-tasting varieties, such as Chanteclerc, Golden and Goldrush.
The co-operative is equally seeking to develop its cherry and fig growing areas. With the financial support of its members, Terraneo reportedly expects to increase fig production from the current 150 tonnes to some 500 tonnes in the next three years.
