On November 19th, the association of producers Peaches and Apricots of France and SudExpé and the network of regional stations brought together nearly 130 growers and technicians at Saint-Gilles (Gard department) to discuss the place of new peach, nectarine and apricot varieties on the market. The aim of this meeting was to provide growers with a detailed analysis of the past season and of the new varieties developed by editors. Raphaël Martinez, director of Peaches and Apricots of France, reports on the day's activities.
What should we remember about the 2024 season?
"The first part of the season was very complicated. Unfavourable weather and the dissolution of the French National Assembly "caused anxiety among consumers", which had a negative impact on demand. "The end of June was difficult for apricots, with production peaking at a time when consumption was at its lowest. Peaches and nectarines also suffered from market congestion due to oversupply." In contrast, the second half of the season benefited from a combination of favourable factors: good weather and the Olympic Games.
The season was also marked by losses for UVCs (especially first-price trays) due to new packaging. The association had warned about this last summer. "Bio-based films and cardboard trays are not suitable. Stone fruit releases moisture, which is absorbed by the packaging and then gradually released back into the tray. As a result, the product deteriorates and there is a high risk of losses on the shelves."
Earlier harvests due to climate change
Another lesson to be learned from this season is the need to adapt the promotional calendar to earlier harvests. This is because climate change is affecting the harvest period and the market, for peaches and nectarines, as well as apricots. "Over the last twenty years or so, we have seen an evolution in varieties linked to global warming. By way of comparison, over the last 20 years, the same variety is now harvested 2 weeks earlier," explains Raphaël Martinez. This early start means that "we are up against a lot more from our Spanish colleagues. This situation is all the more damaging given that the weather at the start of the season is unstable and does not encourage consumption. The good weather does not usually set in until the second half of the summer."
In search of tastier apricot varieties
While the genetic revolution in peaches and nectarines took place some twenty years ago, apricots are still lagging behind, especially in terms of taste. The technical seminar held last January (at the Pyrénées-Orientales Chamber of Agriculture) highlighted this problem, with the Apricot Quality Plan being launched in 2019 to offer the French market varieties that are better suited to both quality and taste. While French apricots are struggling to satisfy consumers, especially at the start of the season, Spanish apricots are benefiting from an early start and more sunshine. Today's editors are offering varieties that are more stable agronomically, with self-fertility and very good yields that are essential to the economic equilibrium of farms. Taste quality has also improved (less acidity). The aim here is therefore to find the right balance between yield and taste."
Photo credit: © AOP Pêches et Abricots de France
For more information:
Raphaël Martinez
AOP Pêches et Abricots de France
Phone: +33(0)6 09 98 38 09
[email protected]