The European Peach Forum

As part of the MACFRUT 2018 exhibition, various representatives of the European sector discussed the statistics, analyzes and outlook for 2018 at the "European Peach Forum".

2017 has not been a memorable year for peaches and nectarines in Italy. Production was well above average and the average price fell. The same significant decreases were also recorded in Spain and Greece. These issues were discussed at the Forum.

With regard to the forecasts for 2018, the indications still lack precision but already show that production will fall compared to 2017, making producers hope for a less difficult season than last year.

In Italy, for some years now, one of the key problem has been that peak production (June and July) coincides with peak production in Spain, which previously mainly concerned early varieties. In the last 3 seasons, Italian peaches exports have dropped by 12% and prices have dropped by 5%.

In Spain, exports have increased, but professionals are worried about the decline in domestic consumption. A few years ago, it amounted to 7-8 kilos per year per inhabitant and decreased to 4 kilograms now. Efforts on quality and communication are needed to recover the domestic market according to Spanish professionals.

In Greece, the 2017 season did not give better results. Abundant production and falling prices. For 2018, volumes will be much lower mainly due to adverse weather conditions.