"On 1 August 2024, although the harvest was completed earlier than last year, apricot production was down by a third compared with 2023 and by a fifth compared with the average for 2019-2023. In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, production has been halved. In July, prices were firm, 25% higher than in 2023, due to a reduced supply of late varieties," notes Agreste in its economic outlook published on August 9.
Fall in production confirmed for 2024
"On 1 August, apricot production was estimated to be 35% down on the abundant harvest of 2023, and 21% down on the average for 2019-2023. There are several reasons for this drop: a reduction in the size of orchards, yields affected by the phenomenon of alternation after abundant production in 2023 for certain varieties, and unfavourable weather conditions.
A half-harvest in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
In the Rhône Valley, the harvest ended in July around eight days earlier than in 2023, confirming the expected drop in production. Losses were recorded in Ardèche, after a violent storm. The latest harvests of late varieties are below forecasts, despite their large sizes. All in all, production is down by half compared to 2023.
In Occitanie, it is above all the unpredictable weather conditions in spring, particularly in the Gard region (excessive rain during flowering), which have impacted production. Production is estimated to be down 22% year-on-year, after a high harvest in 2023.
In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, alternating production, following a large harvest in 2023, has been accentuated by poor flowering, frost, fruit drop, and hail in the summer. The reduction in yields led to a 20% drop in production compared with the previous year.
Strong prices in July due to a reduced supply of late varieties
In July 2024, apricot prices were 25% higher than in 2023 and 4% higher than the five-year average for 2019-2023. At the beginning of the month, despite reduced production, the shortage of harvests due to the earliness of late varieties led to a concentration of supply, while consumption remained moderate. As the harvest drew to a close, the market became more balanced at the end of the month, with a fall in supply. Sorting levels are sometimes high, because of fruit weakened by bad weather over the summer".
Source: Agreste
Photo: Dreamstime
Agreste