2022 EU per capita consumption of fresh peaches and nectarines increased to 6.1 kg (still below a long-term average) despite the lower purchasing power. This could be thanks to a higher production, good weather and the return of tourism. After a very good season in 2021 with high production, good consumption, great quality, and low stocks, EU production of tomatoes in 2022 is expected to decrease by 9% to 16.5 million. The production for processing is forecast to drop by 14%, while production for fresh consumption by 3% year-on-year.
Tomato production is dropping
2022 EU production of tomatoes is expected to decrease by 9% to 16.5 million (3% below the 5-year average). The annual production of tomatoes for processing (around 60% of total production) is expected to drop by 14% to 10.1 million (3% below the 5-year average) due to dry conditions (affecting mainly Spain and North of Italy), lower expected demand, especially for retail products and competition from more profitable crops (e.g. maize, sunflower). EU production for fresh consumption is estimated to decrease by 3% to 6.2 million (5% below the 5-year average). The main factors are fewer plantings in greenhouses due to very high energy costs, and an ongoing switch between varieties towards cherry tomatoes.
Peaches and nectarines
In 2022, total EU production of peaches and nectarines is expected to increase by 3% to 3.4 million (9% below the 5-year average), compared to the record low volumes last year affected by extreme weather events, especially in IT. Positive production expectations in IT, EL, and FR should this year compensate for the significant losses in ES caused by historical frost damage and the Cyril storm. As a result, Spanish production is expected to drop by 20%.
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Source: agriculture.ec.europa.eu