Germany: 17% less plums expected in 2015

The harvest of plums and damsons in Germany is expected to turn out 17% worse in 2015 than in 2014, with 46,700 tons. As the Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) reports based on the first preliminary harvest projections in the market fruit growing of late July 2015, this harvest will fall short of the average of the last 10 years by almost 51,000 tons, 8%. An unfavorable blossoming process caused by the long lasting cold and moisture as well as pronounced drought in July 2015 have prevented a better harvest yield. 

In addition, that the cultivation areas for plums and damsons have since 2007 been reduced by 15%, from a good 4,500 hectares to barely 3,900 hectares.

The most important cultivation areas for plums and damsons are in Baden-Württemberg and the Rhineland Palatinate. 61% of the fruits (28,600 tons) are expected to be produced in both these states.