EU peach and nectarine producers face competition from other summer fruits

A reduction in the EU’s production area of peach and nectarine has led to a dip in EU production.  Demand for peaches and nectarines is expected to fall slightly in 2018 due to competition from other summer fruits. Combined EU production of the two fruits reached 4.1 million tons (85% fresh and 15% processed). The main four production areas were Spain, Italy, Greece and France, accounting for a combined 96% of EU production. Greece and Spain are the largest producers of peaches and nectarines for processing.

The outlook for 2030 is that EU production of peaches and nectarines will remain stable at around 4 million tons. Average yields are forecast to climb 8% by 2030, but this will be countered by a shrinkage in production area (-0.7 % per year). The sector is expected to undergo significant restructuring, especially in particular in Spain where production soared 54% higher between 2012 and 2017. Orchards are being renewed to respond to the demand for new varieties. Prices have been low due to a combination of high production volumes and the Russian import ban. EU per capita consumption is expected to fall between 2018 and 2030 (-0.4 % per year) due to competition from increasingly popular fruits such as melons, tropical fruits and berries.