According to Medfel, European apricot production in 2017 is 17% higher than that of 2016. The large supply from Europe on offer and the late Spanish harvest crossing over with early French varieties has led to French apricot prices plummeting.
While production is 39% higher than last year, production prices fell 37% compared to those in 2016. (2016 was marked by bad weather conditions effecting flowering).
However, despite a 12% increase in the European peach harvest compared to 2016 and substantial Spanish imports, French peach and nectarine prices are stable. While expected to decrease, French peach orchards saw a 4% increase in acreage over the year.
Cherry prices are within the 2012-2016 average, but have clearly decreased over the year. The French harvest, which began early at the end of April, is estimated to have increased by 6% compared to 2016 (which was one of the weakest seasons of the last decade). Production prices decreased by 16% between May and July compared to the previous season. As for prices, they have grown increasingly unstable as the year has gone on.
