Europe’s 2007 stonefruit crop is forecast to be roughly in line with that of 2006 in terms of volume, according to figures released last week at industry event Europêch’, held in Perpignan.
Peach, nectarine and clingstone peach volumes from Italy, Spain, France and Greece are expected to rise by just 1 per cent this season from last year, to 2.91 million tonnes from 2.76m tonnes. This equates to a 5 per cent increase over average production in 2001-05.
Italy remains the largest producer, expecting to generate 1.55m tonnes of product this summer, a 2 per cent rise over 2006 volumes and some 4 per cent higher than 2001-05.
Although the country is Europe’s second-largest peach and nectarine producer, Spain is expected to see volumes dip by 6 per cent this season to 625,228t, although this is an 8 per cent rise over 2001-05 production levels.
France’s 2007 peach and nectarine crop is pegged at 385,100t, a 3 per cent fall from the 396,900t harvested in 2006 and 6 per cent down from average production for the preceding four years.
Greece is forecast to enjoy the largest boost in production, with a 22 per cent rise in peach and nectarine tonnage from 282,100t to 345,400t, also a 26 per cent increase over average 2001-05 volumes.
“The run-up to this season has been characterised by an extremely mild winter, save for some frosty days in March in the north of Spain,” Eric Hostalnou from the French region of Roussillon’s chamber of agriculture told delegates. “The start to the season was also characterised by a severe drought that threatened production in Andalusia and the south of France, followed by a rainy bout at the start of April.
“Overall volumes will be slightly higher than they were last year, but production has moved further towards the east of Europe, with the rise of volumes in Greece compensating for the dip in Spain. These small differences in volume will have a noticeable effect on the European market, especially in western Europe.”
European apricot volumes, however, are forecast to fall by some 13 per cent this summer, down from 593,683t harvested in 2006 to 514,065t. However, the rising popularity of this fruit among consumer means this year’s production is some 2 per cent higher than average levels in 2001-05.
Greece will again see volumes rise, this time by 14 per cent to 68,200t, whilst Spain, Italy and France are set to record crop downfalls of 46, 7 and 6 per cent respectively. “Spain’s apricot production will fall due to irrigation issues, growing urbanisation and tourism, which is pushing down volumes,” said Hostalnou. “However, the development of two or three varieties well-adapted to the country’s climatic conditions could well uplift this current downward trend in years to come.
“Greece, on the other hand, has enjoyed a boost in production this year, back up to its full potential following a year of heavy frost damage in 2006,” he added.
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