In view of the negative weather impact on the main fruit growing areas in Southern Europe, the European fruit processing industry raises serious concerns about sufficient raw material supply. Following storms, floods and frost in spring, orchards across Southern Europe were damaged.
At this stage, it is difficult to assess the exact impact of the extreme weather at EU level. Main producer countries like Greece, France, Italy and Spain expect shortages for a number of fruit, with cling peaches and apricots worst hit.
Crops in Greece and France are particularly impacted: Greek crop expectations for cling peaches are below 50%, and in Macedonia and Thessaly almost the entire apricot crop is damaged, resulting in an apricot crop for the whole country that is less than 40% of normal crop.
Growers speak of the second worst year since 2003. The apricot situation in France indicates crops are down -43% compared to 2020 and -64% versus the 2015/2019 average. Although to a lesser extent, Spain and Italy also signal problems with peach and apricot varieties for the industry.
While final figures still need to be confirmed, it is clear that pressure to secure sufficient fruit for processing is on. Further information will be made available as the crops progress.
For more information::
PROFEL Secretariat
Tel: +32 2 500 87 59
Email: profel@profel-europe.eu
www.profel-europe.eu
Impact of weather on 2021 fruit crops: