EU peach and nectarine production dips as consumption patterns shift

EU peach and nectarine production is expected to decline modestly over the coming decade, reflecting a contraction in cultivated areas in several key producing countries. Output in Spain and Italy is forecast to fall by around 0.3 percent and 0.5 percent per year respectively, while France’s peach and nectarine area is projected to remain broadly stable, according to the European Commission’s Agricultural Outlook 2025-2035.

The report attributes the shrinking production base to several structural challenges, including climate-related risks, labour shortages and pest pressures, which continue to affect orchard expansion and yields. Efforts to strengthen risk management, improve water use efficiency and develop improved varieties are under way, but the outlook suggests these may only partly mitigate the downward pressure on output.

Consumption trends are mixed, with overall EU per-capita consumption of peaches and nectarines forecast to decline slightly through to 2035. Fresh consumption is projected to fall by around 0.7 percent per year, and processed peach and nectarine consumption by about 0.9 % annually. However, in some major producing countries, per-capita intake of both fresh and processed fruit is expected to edge higher, growing by 0.1 percent to 0.3 percent annually.

Trade dynamics vary by market. The report highlights that Greece remains a substantial producer and consumer of processed peaches, and its exports to non-EU markets are projected to expand, underscoring differentiated trajectories within the sector.

While the EU continues to adapt to changing production and demand patterns, the peaches and nectarines segment is characterised by a slight contraction in output and softer overall consumption, with country-level variations shaping the medium-term outlook.

Read the full report.

source: webgate.ec.europa.eu

photo: agmemod.eu, webgate.ec.europa.eu