According to the latest European forecast, apricot production in 2023 is projected to reach around 500,000 tons, which is a 7% decrease compared to 2022 and the average production from 2017 to 2021. After two years of low yields in 2020 and 2021, a return to normal production levels is expected in 2022 and 2023, although still lower than the levels seen in 2017 and 2019.
Frost has affected apricot crops in various countries, including Greece, Italy, France, and Spain. Additionally, concerns arise from falling buds due to insufficient winter cold in Spain’s Murcia region, along with unpredictable April weather characterized by sudden temperature changes. The colder temperatures since January have delayed flowering and slightly postponed the harvest in many apricot-producing areas.The widespread drought, particularly in Spain and southeastern France, requires close monitoring. Some regions, like Roussillon, have already imposed irrigation restrictions. However, the drought’s impact on production is not yet evident and cannot be considered in the current harvest forecasts.
In France, apricot production is expected to be similar to that of 2022. National production is estimated at approximately 125,000 tons, a 2% increase compared to the previous year and a 16% increase compared to the average from 2017 to 2021. The unpredictable weather and declining orchard area have affected French apricot production, which no longer reaches the levels of 2017 or 2015. The season is anticipated to start around May 15 and last until the end of August, with larger fruit sizes expected due to alternating weather conditions and limited flower count caused by drought.
In 2022, French apricot producers had a positive season due to weak competition from Spain. Despite a noticeable decrease in purchasing power, dynamic consumption and export demand remained active and satisfactory. However, there is a need to increase plantings, as the apricot orchard area has reached its lowest level in five years.
In Europe, the apricot harvest forecasts for 2023 reveal varying production volumes across different countries. Overall, it is projected that Europe will yield approximately 503,000 tons of apricots, marking a 7% decrease compared to the previous year. In France, apricot production is expected to increase by 2% to reach around 125,000 tons. Meanwhile, Italy is anticipating a decline in apricot production, with an estimated yield of about 203,000 tons, reflecting a decrease of 26% compared to 2022. On the other hand, Spain is poised for a significant boost in production, forecasting around 99,000 tons of apricots, representing a substantial 52% increase. Greece expects a slight uptick in apricot production, with an estimated yield of approximately 76,000 tons, showing a modest 1% increase compared to the previous year.
Source: eurofresh, Photo https://www.pexels.com/photo/agriculture-apricot-color-confection-209416/
17 May 2023
