The FEPEX Stone Fruit Committee, representing major Spanish production regions (Murcia, Andalusia, Catalonia, Extremadura, Aragon, and La Rioja), has announced that the 2024 stone fruit season will start 1-2 weeks later than usual, with good fruit size and quality and only minor hail damage from recent storms.
Delayed Start Due to Weather Conditions
The earliest harvests, particularly in Murcia, are expected to begin by mid-May, though the first half of May’s weather will be crucial in determining whether the delay persists or shortens if temperatures rise.
Limited Hail Impact on Production
Hailstorms in Aragon and Catalonia caused some localized damage, but AFRUCAT (Catalan Association of Fruit Entrepreneurs) estimates that the total losses amount to only 8% of Lleida’s potential production following the April 19 storm.
Stable Production Volumes and Expanding Apricot Cultivation
- Overall production volumes are expected to remain similar to 2023, with stable acreage across most regions.
- Aragon and Catalonia report slight growth in apricot cultivation, signaling a potential increase in future exports.
Export Performance and Market Outlook
Spain remains a global leader in stone fruit exports, with 2024 shipments reaching 903,591 tons worth €1.468 billion, according to Spanish Customs data. The breakdown includes:
- Peaches: 147,138 tons (€217M)
- Nectarines: 339,085 tons (€495.5M)
- Flat peaches (Paraguayos): 204,276 tons (€315M)
- Apricots: 95,903 tons (€174.8M)
- Plums: 77,219 tons (€127M)
- Cherries: 39,967 tons (€139M)
Upcoming EU Stone Fruit Contact Group Meeting
The committee is preparing for the next meeting of the EU Stone Fruit Contact Group (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal) in mid-May, where joint efforts in pest control and market strategies will be discussed.
New Leadership: Joaquín Gómez Elected as Committee President
Joaquín Gómez (APOEXPA-Murcia) was elected as the new president, reinforcing regional collaboration in Spain’s stone fruit sector.
A Promising Season with Cautious Optimism
Despite the slight delay, the 2024 Spanish stone fruit season is shaping up to be strong in quality, with minimal weather-related losses. Export demand remains robust, particularly for nectarines and flat peaches, while apricot cultivation expands. Farmers and agribusinesses should monitor May weather closely to adjust harvest and export timelines.
