On the 1st August 2018, French peach production had plummeted by 18% compared to 2017, allowing prices to increase above the 15 year average. Peach, nectarine, clingstone and pavie harvests are estimated at 183,000 tons this year which is 17% below the 2013-2017 average.
Prices in July remained strong and are 24% above the 2013-2017 average and 26% above those recorded last year. The market is unstable as the offer is a lot lower than the demand due to the high temperatures. Frost in the spring effected the Mediterranean orchards and this summer the heat has limited the calibres. The offer increased at the end of July when varieties spared the February frost entered production.
According to Medfel, on a European level the production will decrease by 11% compared to 2017 and 4% compared to the 2012-2016 average due to the weather. Production in Spain and Italy will clearly decrease over the year, by 14% and 16% respectively.