Demand for stone fruit has been falling over the last three weeks. In the case of plums, it is hoped that sales will start to pick up again in the coming weeks ahead of the harvest of the Angeleno variety, which has been delayed this year. Until then, the supply of black varieties should be more limited.
"Sales are rather slow at the moment, both for plums and for other species, although they have improved slightly compared to the previous two weeks, as demand dropped considerably from the last week of July," says José Aurelio García, manager of the Spanish cooperative Explum. "For example, now we have very little flat peach left, and there is no longer much interest, but about 25 days ago, demand was bursting. Nectarine sales are relatively more dynamic," he says.
© Explum
The last third of the season is currently underway for plums, the most representative fruit in terms of volume for Explum and for the region of Extremadura as a whole. The later varieties, especially the Angeleno, are scheduled to be harvested in September.
"The Angeleno production will arrive late this year compared to last season, although with a similar production," says José Aurelio. "This is a flagship variety which, given its popularity and recognition in the markets, could be said to be 'playing in a league of its own.' Sales always improve when this variety is available, and until then, there will be a more limited supply of black varieties, such as the Larry Ann. Demand will consequently increase in the coming weeks."
According to the Explum manager, plum prices have been relatively good throughout the season, and production has been acceptable, with no excesses. "Sales in containers to overseas destinations have gone fairly well, with generally adequate prices," he says.
