Spanish companies limit entry of small size peaches and nectarines

Late production in Murcia has suffered a delay in harvesting and has overlapped with that of Lleida and Aragon, which was brought forward due to high spring temperatures, according to local media. As a result, some companies are limiting the entry of smaller size stone fruit, prioritizing larger peaches, nectarines and flat peaches.

 

On the one hand, this restriction seeks to prevent the marketing of small fruit at low prices. On the other hand, it also aims to properly manage the fruit most appreciated by consumers and avoid the collapse of cold storage.

 

Jordi Vidal, head of the fruit sector of Asaja de Lleida, explains that small-caliber fruit has less value and must also take into account the rising costs of production. According to Vidal, the costs of a fruit central oscillate between 50 and 60 euro cents per kilogram. Therefore, the selling price should be at least 80 cents for peaches and 90 cents for flat peaches, to avoid working at a loss.

 

These figures, according to Vidal, would only cover production costs. According to market information, at the moment larger fruit is valued above the investment needed to bring it to market, but the same is not true for smaller fruit. Some sources even suggest implementing fruit set-aside programs for charitable purposes. The idea would be to transform the withdrawn fruit into juice, a more valued option than traditional withdrawals or sale to the industry.