Effects of Hot and Dry Weather on Fruit Production in France During Aug-22

The hot and dry weather in France during 2022 has led to an early start to the fruit season during Aug-22, beginning at least 10 days earlier than usual. However, the unusual weather conditions impacted fruit color, sizing, pricing, and consumer behavior. Apple producers faced challenges as the hot nights affected the desired color of the fruits, leading to a longer time spent picking to ensure proper color selection. Plum producers are grappling with the lack of water for irrigation, potentially resulting in smaller fruit sizes, at 40 mm instead of 50 mm. Additionally, the apricot season has concluded earlier than usual, with record-high prices attributed to the early market arrival during the peak summer period. Despite these challenges, growers expect conditions to normalize in the coming weeks.