The 2025 stone fruit season across key global regions is marked by contrasting trends in production, pricing, and market dynamics. Weather impacts, shifting acreage, and strong demand continue to shape outcomes for producers and exporters alike.
Italy reports stable overall production but reduced yields and rising prices, especially in northern regions. Orchard removals and weather-related challenges are driving strong demand and higher prices for available volumes. Spain is experiencing firm market conditions, with high temperatures boosting consumption and prices up to 60% higher for some categories. Despite hail-related losses, production in Catalonia remains above the five-year average.
France expects a rise in apricot volumes but lower peach production. While peach prices are increasing, the market remains fluid due to summer temperatures supporting demand. The Netherlands faces a significant peach shortfall following hailstorms in Spain. Plums dominate current volumes, though prices are down around 30% due to regional market shifts.
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Germany sees strong demand but falling prices due to expanded supply, mainly from Spain. Italian and Turkish products are present in smaller volumes, with the Turkish supply impacted by frost. Ukraine suffers major stone fruit losses from frost and regional conflict, especially in cherry and apricot production zones. Imports are rising to meet domestic demand.
Turkey is managing lower stone fruit production with stable demand from Europe, Asia, and North America. Regional shifts in output and logistical complexities define a challenging but resilient season. North America reports high-quality fruit and early harvests in California, though smaller sizes are limiting export potential. Domestic markets remain active, with production also starting in Georgia and Canada.
South Africa has yet to begin its stonefruit import season, with the first Spanish shipments still in transit. Current wholesale prices reflect low demand and minimal available volumes. Morocco benefits from favorable cold hours and adaptive low-chill varieties. While acreage is stable, production has moved north, and firm, aromatic fruit is being shipped mainly to the UK and Germany.
Lebanon endures a short cherry season heavily affected by weather, with export volumes down and prices doubling locally. Exporters are focusing on regaining access to Saudi Arabia and expanding into Europe and North Africa.
Italy: Stable production, rising prices amid low yields
According to CSO Italy's June estimates, Italy's production of peaches for fresh consumption is projected at 416,000 tons (+4% compared to 2024), clingstone peaches (pavias) at nearly 50,000 tons (–15% vs. 2024), and nectarines at around 464,000 tons, which is similar to 2024 levels. The overall national total stands at approximately 930,000 tons, a 1% increase over 2024. This volume, comparable to the previous season, is considered manageable and not excessive. The trend of decreasing cultivated areas in the country has continued for several years. This decline is more pronounced in central and northern regions, while southern Italy shows greater stability, though with differing trends across various production zones. The 2025 update indicates a 3% national contraction, with around 41,700 hectares in production. Specifically, nectarines cover over 21,400 hectares (–2%), peaches nearly 18,000 hectares (–4%), and clingstone peaches (pavias) less than 2,400 hectares (–5%).
A peach and nectarine trader from northern Italy reports that July began with strong demand for peaches and nectarines and firm prices, as demand often exceeds supply. There is a noticeable shortage of stock in warehouses. In Emilia-Romagna, yields are currently low, around 17 tons per hectare, compared to the expected 25–30 tons.
An operator from Basilicata states: "As for stone fruits in general, and especially peaches and nectarines, the 2025 season is coming to an end, with only limited volumes of late varieties still available. The production drop has driven prices up by 20–30% compared to last year. The varieties currently being harvested are Big Top and Luciana. Sales will continue for a maximum of another 10 days."
"Stone fruit season is practically over," says the sales manager of a cooperative in Apulia specializing in organic production. Regarding peaches and nectarines, volumes are smaller, but clingstone peaches (pavias) have drawn particular interest: "This crop is less widespread than it used to be, which has likely stimulated demand."
For peaches, nectarines, and flat varieties from a growers' organization in Calabria, demand is strong, but supply cannot keep up. "We completed the early phase with the early varieties. These were affected by unfavorable weather conditions, resulting in reduced volumes and fruit sizes. Now, however, there is more optimism. Sizes are improving, but quantities are still lacking, especially for peaches." This shortage also stems from orchard removals in past years. "Prices are clearly higher than last year, and the real issue now isn't selling, but finding product." Nectarine availability is expected to increase again starting mid-July. The flat peach season is showing very positive results. "Quality is good, the market is lively, and demand is high. This type of fruit is appreciated for its ease of consumption and consistent quality, sweet and flavorful, from June through late July."
Spain: High temperatures support firm market conditions
The stone fruit season has been progressing smoothly, with strong sales and good prices in the South and Extremadura. The transition to the northeast of Spain, in Catalonia and Aragon, where the largest production is concentrated, has continued with the same fluidity. Demand slightly exceeds supply, supported by high temperatures in both Spain and Europe. So far, this campaign has seen higher prices compared to the average of the last five seasons, both at origin, where this season's positive price differentials range from 19% for cherries to over 60% for apricots, and at packing stations, which are also reporting strong returns.
The stone fruit campaign in Catalonia is now entering its full production phase, with average prices around 25% higher than at the same point last year. This is attributed to strong demand in Europe and a moderate supply from producing countries across the Mediterranean arc. According to Afrucat, the crop forecast in Catalonia is about 4% lower than in the 2024 season, having declined by 2% from the initial estimates due to the impact of eight hailstorms that have locally affected various areas. Stone fruit production in 2025 is 13% above the five-year average, keeping in mind that previous years included very low volumes due to frost and hail, notably in 2022.
"So far, this year's adverse weather conditions occurred early, between April and May. Although some farmers experienced direct losses, others were affected before thinning tasks, allowing for a reasonable recovery in production," says Manel Simon, director of Afrucat. "The high temperatures across Europe are driving strong stone fruit consumption. Additionally, while harvests in other European countries have improved, supply remains moderate. Third countries such as Turkey have also experienced significant production declines," Simon explains.
"Since the beginning of the season, prices have remained higher than last year, with an upward trend over the past two weeks for some categories, such as small-sized nectarines in basket formats. Stock levels are very current, there are hardly any surpluses, which is excellent for summer fruit," affirms Simon. "In some formats, we are running short on product, which is why we are prioritising our most loyal clients. We expect this strong market situation to continue in the coming weeks," he adds.
France: Higher apricot volumes, lower peach supply in 2025
The latest forecasts, as of July 1, confirm that apricot production is increasing. It is expected to be 24% higher than the low level recorded in 2024 and 7% higher than the average harvest from 2020 to 2024. Despite a favorable natural alternation and abundant flowering, fruit set was hindered by unfavorable weather conditions. As a result, the 2025 harvest will not reach the levels achieved in 2022 or 2023. On the market in June 2025, apricot prices were 2% lower than in 2024 and 4% below the five-year average for 2020–2024. At the beginning of the month, particularly summery weather supported sales. Towards the end of the month, rising temperatures accelerated harvesting across all production regions, leading to a high volume of fruit entering the market.
According to forecasts as of July 1, 2025, national production of peaches, nectarines, flat nectarines, and clingstone peaches (pavies) will total 217,200 tonnes in 2025, down 8% from last year. However, this volume remains close to the five-year average. All production regions are affected by this decline.
Prices, in contrast, are rising in a fluid market. Against the backdrop of reduced supply, peach prices are trending upward. In June 2025, they were 11% higher year-on-year and 4% above the 2020–2024 average. The market remains fluid, supported by consumption driven by high temperatures.
Netherlands: Shortfall follows storm damage and regional transition
"Areas like Murcia have basically ended their season, as they were affected by the hailstorm at the beginning of May," says a Dutch importer. "As a consequence, millions of kilos were lost during this event. The Extremadura area is also running low on volumes, with plums being the main product, which is more under control in terms of quality and volume."
The Lerida area has now started its season with aggressive pricing to gain market share. This has been reflected in sales prices, which have dropped by around 30% compared to previous weeks. Plums have been the most affected item in terms of price decreases.
Overall, there is a significant gap in peach volumes this season. The remaining paraguayos are mainly large sizes suitable for bulk formats. Nectarines still have some available volume, mainly from Lerida. Apricots also have some volume yet to enter the market, while plums are expected to continue through the end of the season, hopefully until the end of September.
Belgium: Low supply, but demand is also limited
The stone fruit market is currently quiet, partly due to last week's warm weather and the holiday mindset many people are in. There is a slight shortage in supply, especially of peaches and nectarines, due to poor weather conditions in Spain earlier this year and recent extreme heat. Although the quality is good, demand is lagging. According to a Belgian trader, consumers are spending less on more expensive fruit during this period because of the high costs associated with summer holidays.
Germany: Prices fall despite strong demand
Spanish deliveries clearly dominated the market. Supplementary peaches and nectarines arrived from Italy, though volumes were somewhat limited overall. French fruit increased slightly and impressed with its organoleptic qualities, but it was considerably more expensive than the competition and therefore sometimes difficult to place. Overall availability had expanded. Although demand also increased, it could not always keep pace with supply. As a result, most prices trended downwards.
Prices for Italian products also declined. Turkish imports supplemented the offering, but supply volumes from this origin remain extremely low this year due to frost events. For paraguayos, Spanish lots faced minor competition from a limited number of Portuguese consignments, though this did not impact pricing. Overall, prices for all nectarines, peaches, and paraguayos remain slightly to significantly above last year's level. The only exception is platerinas, which are roughly at the same price level as during the same period in 2024.
Ukraine: Imports rise to offset domestic shortfalls
The Transcarpathian region was hit the hardest, primarily because it typically experiences the earliest blooming in Ukraine. Frosts occurred during the flowering period of stone fruit trees, causing substantial losses, particularly for cherries and apricots. These losses are now evident, as the harvest season for these fruits is underway. Other fruit-growing regions have also sustained damage.
There is no available information from the southern part of the Zaporizhzhia region or the left bank of the Kherson region, as these areas remain under Russian occupation. Consequently, produce from these regions is not reaching Ukrainian markets. Previously, they were key zones for cherry cultivation. As a result, the well-known regional brand 'Melitopol Cherry' is no longer available to Ukrainian consumers.
These factors have had a considerable impact on the stone fruit harvest. As a result, Ukraine is already seeing increased imports of cherries from Spain, Greece, and Moldova, and apricots from Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Greece.
Turkey: Strong demand despite lower production
According to preliminary estimates for the 2025 stone fruit season, already marked by delayed harvests and higher prices, lower production volumes are expected across key EU producing countries due to hail, continuous rainfall, and frosts in late winter and early spring. Similarly, Türkiye is experiencing a challenging season. Despite an overall decline in stone fruit production, with regional variations, Turkish export companies have managed to maintain their position in the market and remain competitive. The season is progressing relatively better in eastern production regions, particularly for cherries, positioning them as strong competitors.
However, a range of challenges, such as logistics, market focus, seasonal alignment, quality standardization, and excess demand, continue to make this a complex season to navigate. Currently, production is shifting toward the western and northwestern regions of Türkiye for most stone fruit varieties.
Overall interest in Turkish stone fruit remains strong from Eastern European countries and Russia, despite the reduced supply. In addition, demand from markets in Asia, Southeast Asia, and North America has remained consistent with previous seasons. As a result, prices have continued to trend upward. Lastly, domestic demand has also remained solid due to seasonal preferences.
North America: Smaller sizes limit exports
A good growing season has resulted in high-quality stone fruit from California. This is due in part to much milder weather during the growing period. The season also started early and is now up to 10 days ahead of the normal schedule, depending on the variety. The eating experience has been particularly strong for early varieties, which is a promising sign.
However, fruit sizing has been smaller than usual. This is especially true for white flesh peaches and white flesh nectarines, both key export items, resulting in reduced export volumes for these products.
Domestic demand has been solid, although it likely eased slightly following the 4th of July holiday. Prices declined this week, largely due to lighter early shipments, as the market adjusts to the higher-volume part of the season.
Elsewhere in North America, Georgia is expected to continue shipping fruit into early August. On the West Coast, stone fruit production is beginning in British Columbia for items such as apricots and will also commence this month in Washington.
South Africa: Stonefruit import season yet to begin
While South African stonefruit orchards remain dormant, the country's largest stonefruit importer, which supplies supermarkets, reports that the first consignment from Spain is still in transit. As a result, the official stonefruit import season has not yet commenced.
The average wholesale market price for nectarines currently stands at R30 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately €1.70. This price reflects low demand, as available volumes are nearly non-existent.
Morocco: Stone fruit season benefits from cold hours and variety adaptation
In Morocco, stone fruit harvests have been arriving gradually since March. The season begins in week 13 in Taroudant, followed by harvests from week 15 to week 21 in Marrakech. In Meknes, the heart of national production, the season runs from week 18 for extra-early varieties to week 40 for late ones. According to one grower, production conditions in Meknes have significantly improved this season, with over 900 hours of cold weather benefiting the crop. The adoption of low-chilling varieties has helped growers adapt to Morocco's warming climate and enhance fruit quality. The regional portfolio includes over 130 varieties of plums, nectarines, and peaches, along with other fruits such as cherries.
Although stone fruit acreage has remained stable, production has shifted northward and to higher altitudes due to drought and rising temperatures in the central regions of the country.
An exporting grower explains, "This season, we obtained firm fruit with uniform coloration, an intense fragrance, and a good aroma. The BRIX index ranges from 10 to 18, depending on the variety. Thanks to a successful thinning operation, we were also able to obtain the sizes requested by our markets, achieving a good proportion of AA-sized fruit (in high demand), as well as A, B, and C sizes, while avoiding a large proportion of fruit that was either too large (AAA) or too small (D)."
The main export markets for Moroccan stone fruit are Germany and the United Kingdom, while Spanish competition continues to limit access to other European destinations. Other markets remain constrained by logistical challenges, such as extended shipping durations to the Gulf and Asia, or inadequate cold storage infrastructure in West African countries.
Lebanon: Cherry export prospects hampered by weather and trade barriers
Lebanon has a short cherry season, running from May to mid-July, and producers this year have faced adverse weather conditions that led to substantial volume losses. Estimates vary between 60% and 80%, depending on the grower. Prices on the local Lebanese market have doubled compared to the previous season, making exports uncompetitive. However, growers report that the quality of the remaining fruit has improved significantly.
Few Lebanese cherries are exported to Europe, due to a limited number of exporters possessing the necessary certifications. The Gulf countries and neighbouring countries such as Iraq and Jordan remain important destinations. Lebanese exports suffered a setback in 2021 when Saudi Arabia, formerly the main market for Lebanese fresh produce, banned imports over diplomatic disputes.
An exporter explains, "The Saudi Arabian market has historically been very important to us. I know our government and embassies are actively working to resolve this issue quickly, possibly as soon as next season." He adds, "Besides Saudi Arabia, we want to increase our stone fruit exports to three main areas: the Gulf countries, North Africa (especially Egypt, one of our traditional markets), and the European Union. We believe these markets will appreciate our premium fruit, whose seasonality gives us a competitive advantage, and we're already seeing signs of potential demand in Europe."
Lebanese exporters of cherries, as well as stone fruit, vegetables, and other fruits, are making considerable commercial efforts to access the European market. These include obtaining certifications, joining trade missions, participating in international fairs, and upgrading infrastructure. However, progress has been slow. Last year, the delay was due to conflict in the country, and this year, due to weather conditions. Nonetheless, expectations remain high for next season.
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