“As of July 1st 2022, the 2022 production of French apricots seemed to have doubled since last year (+127%). After two years with very limited productions, the current campaign marks a return to yields that are more in line with the full production potential. In June, the prices were slightly lower than last year, but still above the five-year average. Marketing started early this year, with a rapid succession of varieties. The market is relatively fluid, favored by a dynamic demand on the domestic and export markets.”
In the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, the situation varies from one production area to another. The production potential is higher in the Gard, thanks to rotation, compared to the weak production of 2021. The frost did not have much impact on the production this year. In the Roussillon, because of the heavy rains in April during flowering, lower yields are expected. In PACA, the spring frost has slightly reduced the harvest potential. The production should still be higher than last year. The different weather hazards like hail, storms and heatwaves, have had some influence on the caliber and quality of the fruit. The supply was therefore more limited in June. In the Rhône Valley, the Bergeron harvest started 20 days early. This year, the drought and heatwave have impacted the growth of the fruit. The frost in April has affected the early varieties in Ardèche and the Baronnies, where two-thirds of the production was destroyed. The overall production potential of the basin was therefore reduced.
Prices above the 2017-2021 average
In June 2022, apricot prices were 11% lower than in 2021, due to the larger supply. However, these prices are still higher than the 2017-2021 average. The market was fluid, favored by a dynamic demand on the domestic and export markets. Because of the high temperatures and the drought, the fruits were smaller than in previous years. The apricots ripen faster and the varieties succeed one another very rapidly. The offer is irregular with a peak around mid-June followed by a shortage later in the month. There is very little competition from Spain because of the limited production in the country. The apricots arrived early on the supermarket shelves, around mid-May, with larger volumes than in previous years and average calibers. The summer weather is favorable to the consumption of apricots and the demand is good.
Source: Agreste