Forecasts for the European stone fruits harvest were unveiled at the Medfel show held in Perpignan from 24 to 27 April, and at the one-day event of 18 May organised in Montpellier. They confirm the very good potential expected throughout Europe, given the very good flowering that the April frosts could not undermine. Apricot production is set for an excellent level, with a total that should be around 572 000 t (+ 17 % on 2016 and 13 % above the 3-year average), in spite of Spain’s minor downturn for Bulida. Similarly, the peach and nectarine supply should be abundant, with 3.06 million tonnes (+ 11 % on 2016 and 7 % above the 3-year average). This applies particularly to Pavie (827 000 t, i.e. + 30 % on 2016 and 17 % above the 5-year average) due to production continuing to grow in Spain and Greek production bouncing back. Production should be around average in France and Italy.
Good production despite the frosts
Little info was issued at the Medfel conference on the European peaches and nectarines harvest, with Europech Member Countries deciding to defer official publication of the figures until 18 May in view of the uncertainties. Ultimately, it seems that little changed, with April’s frosts having only a limited impact on stone fruits, unlike pip fruits. Hence an above-normal production level is expected in Spain (9 % above the 3-year average), despite some frosts (including in late April), which had only localised impacts on production. The harvest will be slightly smaller in high-altitude zones which were more exposed. Murcia, Valencia and Lerida are set for a very fine harvest nonetheless. Flat peach production should increase again this year (+ 12 % on 2016). We are also expecting a 10 % increase for Spanish Pavie. Conversely, Spanish operators are still concerned at the Russian embargo which is overloading the European market, causing difficulties for producers in Catalonia and Aragon in particular. Production is for now set to be normal in Italy (+ 5 % on 2016 and 2 % below the three-year average), although it was slightly affected in places by the recent frosts (Venice and Piedmont). France is reckoning on a normal harvest (+ 4 % on 2016 and 2 % below the 3-year average) in every region, and particularly in Rhône-Alpes (+ 8 %), thereby returning to the 3-year average. Greek production should see a strong level, with both the peach and nectarine bouncing back (+ 49 % on 2016 and + 43 % on the 3-year average), as well as Pavie (+ 57 % on 2016).
A fine harvest taking shape
After a shortfall in 2016, this year should bring a good apricot harvest. Indeed, Greece, Italy and France, after being hit last year by a number of climate vagaries (frost, hail, etc.), are back to optimum production levels, with respectively + 41 %, + 20 % and + 39 % on 2016. Only Spain will register a production shortfall (- 17 %) since although young orchards are entering production, they will not offset the losses suffered, especially in the Murcia zone at the beginning of the year when the Bulida variety in particular seems to have been hit. There will also seemingly be a production fall in the Castilla-La Mancha zone. Losses were reported in Southern Italy due to the frosts, though they will have little impact on the overall potential. Similarly, in France, losses are expected in the Baronnies zone and certain hills in the Rhône Valley
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