During the first month of the season which is a period when the market relies on imports, harvests increased slightly since last year. Imports were slightly higher than the monthly average reaching 12,000 tons during March, and should continue to increase to their seasonal peak of 20,000 tons in May. This seasonal increase in imports corresponds every year with a deficit of national offer before the summer. Exports were also at their lowest in May (5,000 tons), but should swiftly reach 20,000 tons in June (June to July is the only period in which external balance is in surplus, compared to both the 2010-2014 average and last season). Prices have increased since last year and are above the 5 year average. Demand has been good since the first few days of good weather. Prices strongly increased in May compared to the year before and are higher than the 2010-2014 average. Weather was mild and humid at the end of the winter then drier in May, allowing good conditions for the first pickings. Pest outbreaks are low and sorting has been limited for the first harvests.
Following a decrease in acreage over 2014-2015, the 2015-2016 season will see a further decrease, returning to the 2010-2014 average (-1% reaching 8,280 hectares). Aquitaine has seen a 2% decrease in crops in a year, but other regions should be stable compared to last year.
As always at the start of the season, harvest is low in all regions. Aquitaine, the main supplier with 45% of national production, sees a slight increase in volume over the year. Lower Normandy has small but stable volume compared to last year and Brittany is expected to start producing at the end of June (together represent 31% of national production). Quantity is particularly weak in the South East, but is in line with the average for the season. Harvests should increase compared to last year and reach levels slightly below the 5 year average; volume this first trimester is 2% higher than last year.