In MY 2023/24, EU production of peaches and nectarines is estimated to amount to 3.6 million MT while cherry production is anticipated to amount to 657,435 MT. Unfavorable growing conditions in main producing Member States support the reduction in cherry production, while in peaches and nectarines, improved production levels in Spain offset poor performance registered in Italy. EU fresh stone fruit consumption has come under pressure due to the high inflation rate derived from the conflict in Ukraine.
EU stone fruit producers, and the overall fruit sector, is concerned about the significant increase in EU regulations and requirements namely in plant health, environment, and packaging which have a direct impact on production costs. Additionally, higher agricultural inputs costs and an agricultural labor deficit remain a concern for stone fruit producers across the EU.
The EU is self-sufficient in peaches and nectarines, which are mostly consumed fresh. In MY 2023/24, consumption of peaches and nectarines in the EU is expected to grow given the larger EU supply, specifically in fruit for processing. Conversely, EU cherry consumption is expected to drop due to the shortage of EU cherry production. According to Freshfel Europe, fresh fruit consumption has come under pressure due to the economic crisis and the high inflation rate derived from the conflict in Ukraine that reduced purchase power.
Regarding trade, a large amount of intra-EU stone fruit trade exists from main producing Member States. The EU is a net exporter of peaches and nectarines, mainly from Spain. However, the EU’s positive trade balance for these products continues to reduce due to a rise in imports mainly from Turkey. Higher Spanish crop is projected to drive EU exports up in MY 2023/24. Conversely, the EU is a net importer of cherries also sourced mostly from Turkey. In MY 2023/24, EU cherry imports may rise due to the decline in production.
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Source: apps.fas.usda.gov