The European fruit processing sector is very concerned over shortages in this year’s fruit crop due to extreme weather conditions over the past months, including high temperatures or frosts during the blooming period in the months of April and May in several countries.
The production of a number of crops is affected in France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Austria and Eastern European countries, with estimated losses between 60 and 70% for sour cherries, 30% for strawberries, especially from Eastern Europe, 20% for raspberries, at least 65% for plums, over 70% for blueberries (85% in Poland, 75% in Ukraine), 50% for red currants and 55% for black currants.
The rhubarb crop was also much lower than last year (estimated +/-50%, even worse for red rhubarb). Huge damages are also expected for apples, but valid estimations will only be available in the coming weeks.
The European fruit processing sector is under massive pressure and while it is too early to estimate the final impact on European supply, especially in Eastern Europe and on crops like sour cherries, raspberries or red currants, it is clear that the situation is creating a supply side under pressure.
For more information:
PROFEL
Tel: +32 2 761 16 56
