On the 1st June 2015, apricot production was predicted to reach 165,700 tons, i.e. 6% below the 2014 harvest but 6% above the 2010-2014 average. Vegetation is a week to 10 days late compared to 2014, which was considered to be a premature year.
Fruit falling in the Rhone-Alpes (58% of national production in 2014) was low and flowering occurred under favourable climate conditions. Thinning was necessary in many orchards. An alternation trend is expected this year and yield is expected to be below that of 2014. Harvest began at the end of May in the Languedoc-Roussillon (26% of national production in 2014) 10 days behind the previous year. A decrease in production is expected due to loss from strong winds as well as alternating some varieties (Orangered) and a small load on the trees. In the PACA region (14% of national production in 2014),fruit size is expected to be less good than initially thought due to hot weather. Potential has been reviewed and is expected to be lower than previously estimated.
MEDFEL expect harvest to be 4% lower than in 2014 and the 2009-2013 average. Italy, Europe’s leading producer, could see harvest decrease by 7% compared to 2014. Production in Greece is also expected to decrease (13% in a year). Only Spain is expected to see an increase in potential (12% in a year), notably due to recent plantations entering production.
Commercialisation of French apricots began at the end of May with premature varieties from the South East and Roussillon. Despite strong competition from Spain in 2014, demand lay on early varieties such s the Orange and Orangered. The market was difficult for the Soledane variety. Prices decreased over the month. In June, the early varieties began in all production regions and the amount of varieties increased. Prices averaged 3% below the prices at the same time in 2009-2013. In July the Bergeron variety dominated the market. Sales, notably to Germany, allowed to clear stock, the domestic market was less in demand (especially of smaller sized apricots). Average prices were 14% below the 2009-2013 average.
In 2014, the 40% increase in production allowed to compensate for the 27% decrease in prices. The national turnover index increased by 3% compared to 2013 and 5% compared to the 2009-2013 average.