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Europe’s apricot sector remains short of its full potential, according to a new forecast issued during the annual industry meeting, Europêch, at the trade event Medfel in Perpignan, France. While this year’s production is in line with the five-year average, an overall decrease in production volume leaves room for future growth. The projected volume for Europe’s major producer countries is around 503,000 tonnes, which is 7 per cent down compared with the 2022 figure.
In Italy, a decline in planted area and cold weather has affected output, with production estimated at around 203,000 tonnes, 26 per cent lower compared with last season. However, this represents an increase of 16 per cent compared to what was produced in 2020 and 2021. In Greece, growers expect a similar volume to last year at approximately 76,000 tonnes, which is still around 30 per cent below its normal potential. The shortfall is mainly in earlier ripening varieties.
In France, the forecast is for around 126,000 tonnes, just 2 per cent up on the volume seen in 2022. Persistent temperature changes from the flowering phase up to the last few weeks have reportedly prevented the country from producing as much as it can, while planted area continues to decrease. The forecast for Spain is around 99,000 tonnes, a significant return to normal after last season’s low crop.
Overall, while this year’s production is in line with the five-year average, the apricot sector in Europe remains short of its full potential. However, with room for future growth, the sector can work towards increasing production and meeting its full potential in the coming years.
