European stone fruit production decreases with the exception of Spain

European stone fruit production in 2013 is estimated at 3.97 million tons, a 7% drop compared to last year. This is due to adverse weather conditions. Spanish production, however, is an exception. Despite losses by frost in February, production in Spain increased slightly.

The main European producers of peaches and nectarines are Spain , Italy , Greece and France. The area has remained fairly stable this season. Where production last year was at 4.28 million tons, the expectations for this season are slightly lower. With 3.97 million tons, production is over 7% lower than in 2012. Spanish production, however, increased. After the frost in February followed a good flowering and fruiting period. Some new peach varieties came into production.

Most European cherries come from Poland, Italy and Spain. Germany has traditionally taken up fourth place, but this season it surpassed by Greece. The acreage this year slightly increased, to 178,500 hectares. This is due to the growth in Poland in particular. The total production in 2013 is estimated at 784 123 tons, which is about the same as last year. The expansion in Poland , Greece and France have been able to offset losses caused by the weather.

Import/Export
The total European exports of peaches and nectarines in season 2012/13 is estimated at $449 million, 15% more than last season. The main destinations are Russia, Ukraine and Switzerland. The EU exports more peaches than are imported. The largest supplier of imported peaches is still Chile, but competition from southern Europe is increasing. European exports of fresh cherries in the 2012/13 season is expected to be 72.8 million, an increase of 8% compared to last year. The European cherries find their way mainly to Russia, Switzerland and Belarus. There are also many cherries imported from Europe. The major supplier is Turkey. Also, more and more cherries are coming in from the United States.

Source: USDA, Gain Report

Publication date: Thu 10 Oct 2013