Despite the frost, peach, nectarine and pavie harvests are expected to see an increase. According to Agreste, on the 1st June 2017, annual peach, nectarine and pavie production is at 215,000 tons, 4% above that recorded last year.
The season began slightly early with some damage caused by the frost. However, yield will be higher than last year. The same trend can be noted in neighbouring European countries where an 11% increase is reported compared to 2016. Spanish production over the year will increase by 9%, Italy by 5% and Greece by a huge 49%- following a series of unprofitable years.
National turnover in 2016 was stable over the year. Peach production reached 206,000 tons, down 5% compared to 2015, mainly because of some hail in the Rhone valley and a 4% decrease in national acreage. The same trend is noted in the EU where production decreased by 6%.
Prices remained stable over the season due to the decease in production. However, imports were 20% above the five year average. Exports, meanwhile, decreased by 12% over the year (notably towards Germany).