7% confirmed drop for European stone fruits

According to data presented at Europêch, Europe would fall below its production potential with a crop forecast for 2025 of 3.2 million tons of peaches and nectarines (including pavias), 7% lower than the 2024 crop and 2% higher than the 2019/2023 average. Greece is the country most affected by this decrease. France and Italy forecast production below optimum potential, but stable compared to 2024. Forecasts for Spain announce a slight decline compared to 2024. They could be revised downwards during the update of these data at the end of June, after the hail. There should be no overproduction problems throughout the season in the EU market.

Greece with almost 607,000 tons

Greek peach and nectarine production in 2025 is 21% below that of 2024 and 17% above the average of 2019/2023, an average that had been marked by climatic disasters. After deficit seasons between 2021 and 2023, Greek production had returned to its normal potential last year (2024). This year, however, a cold snap during flowering (March and early April) caused significant damage to peaches, nectarines, pavias and cherries.

Spain with 1.44 million tons

A succession of hail storms from the end of March until the last few days in Catalonia, Aragon and Murcia, which have affected part of the production. With 1,441,000 tons of peaches, flat peaches and nectarines, Spanish production is 5% below last year and 7% above the 2019/2023 average. All four species are forecasting declines of between 4 % and 7 %, although the outlook varies by region.

Near full production

The Ebro valley is the main producing area: Catalonia expects a decrease of 2 % (376,780 t) compared to the previous year and Aragon would have a year-on-year drop of 12 % (442,529 t). Downward forecasts have been recorded in the earliest regions such as Andalusia and the Valencian Community. In Murcia, initial forecasts do not reflect the May hail storms, around 343,600 t, a volume similar to that of 2024. The latest weather conditions have considerably reduced the volumes available for June.

Italy with forecasts of 921,346 tons.

A slight decrease is expected in the center-north offset by an increase in the southern regions. In general, peach and nectarine areas continue to decline, even in the transition between 2024 and 2025 (-3% compared to 2024, -6% compared to 2023). The decline is more marked for peaches than for nectarines in the central-northern regions, while in the south the declines are smaller and in some cases there is even a revival of plantings.

France with very similar supply

French production of peaches and nectarines is around 236,000 tons. It is very similar to 2024 and 18% higher than the 2019/2023 average. There have been no major weather losses, but rainy conditions during this year's long bloom have led to uneven tree loads depending on the parcels. French peach and nectarine production has stabilized for the past 4 to 5 years, thanks to improved plantings, with a renewal rate of close to 8%. This year, once again, production will theoretically exceed 200,000 tons, which will make it possible to supply the French market in good conditions. Photo: Amettler; Source: Afrucat

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