Overall, the weather in spring and the low intensity thinning have resulted in fewer fruits being produced per tree in Spain, with better calibres and quality, according to Manel Simon, CEO from Afrucat.
The reduction in harvest volumes compared to 2014 is reflected in the latest data, which reveals a 7% drop in Catalonia (2% in Spain as a whole).
Similarly, other countries have also registered a considerable drop in production volumes compared to 2014; such as France, with a 12% reduction (down to 205,000 tonnes), and Greece, with 26%, due to major weather issues (frosts, poor setting, etc). Greece's production has dropped from 738,000 tonnes in 2014 to 545,000 tonnes this year. Italy on the other hand, will consolidate its production potential with 2% growth.
Thus, European production goes from the 3.746 million tonnes estimated two months ago, to the current 3,625,000 tonnes, i.e., 2% less than last year.
In global terms, Europe will produce 6% less in the summer of 2015 than in 2014, and 4% less compared to the average production between 2009 and 2013.
Fresh peaches should reach 1.462 million tonnes, roughly the same as in 2014, instead of the 3% growth estimated by Europêch. Italy is expected to produce 579,000 tonnes (+4% in the south, -8% in the north), Greece drops to 212,000 tonnes, instead of the estimated 235.000, and France drops to 108,000 tonnes, down 9% compared to a year earlier.
As for Percoca peaches, European production is now estimated at 716,000 tonnes, i.e. 5% less than in 2014.
The continent's nectarine production should amount to 1.446 million tonnes, 4% less than in 2014. Spain is suffering its worst drop, from the estimated 548,000 tonnes down to 519,000, with Catalonia as the region going through the most difficult situation, with a production amounting to 162,000 tonnes, 8% less than in 2014.
Spain is experiencing a significant drop from the expected 583,000 tonnes down to 563,000.
Andalusia's campaign has finished and Murcia is in the final stages, with 90% of the harvest already completed.
Catalonia and Aragon have started harvesting and marketing within a stable context, marked by product shortages and inability to cover demand. The harvest of the flagship nectarine variety, BigTop, will kick off next week with the central storage chambers currently empty.
In regards to market developments, they have been balanced to date with a correct price situation.
Meanwhile, Afrucat has established frequent and regular contacts with both the Spanish Ministry as Brussels to closely follow developments in the markets.