Larger EU stone fruit crop except in Spain

The EU’s peach and nectarine crop for 2022/23 is estimated at around 3.1 million tons, while cherry production is forecast to reach just over 726,000 tons, according to USDA data. Higher output in Greece, Italy and France offset a smaller crop in Spain, which was hit by spring frosts. Meanwhile, favourable growing conditions in the main producing areas produced a larger cherry crop than last season. EU cherry and peach and nectarine consumption is projected to expand given the larger domestic supplies and the increase in tourism activity across the EU, despite reduced purchasing power.