Adverse Weather Marked the Spanish 2021/22 Nectarine Season

Published 2022년 8월 22일

Compared to the last season, the Spanish nectarine resulted in lower volumes, according to Carlos Iborra, Tridge Global Origination Manager. The fruit was also relatively smaller but was priced higher by 15% compared to 2021. The leading cause of lower quantities was the adverse weather conditions in Catalonia and the Murcia region. Frost damage, the Cyril storm, and heatwaves at the end of July 22 negatively reflected the yield and size of fruits.

According to Carlos Iborra, Tridge Global Origination Manager, the Spanish nectarine season was marked by minor calibration of fruits compared to last year's average and 15% higher prices than in 2021. According to FEPEX, Spanish fresh fruit exports increased by 2.1% from January to May 22, totaling more than USD 4.16M. Regarding the total volume of fruit exports, a slight decline of 1.85% was recorded, and an overall lower volume of stone fruit exports (peaches, down by 40.89%, and nectarines, down by 14.82%).

Domestic price change of fresh nectarine in Spain

Source: Tridge

Nectarine shortages were due to the lower production in Catalonia and Murcia regions. Adverse weather like unprecedented frost damage, the Cyril storm in April, and the heat wave at the end of July, contributed to lower quantities of peaches and nectarines, influencing the overall drop in production. According to the Agricultural and Food Cooperatives, Spanish nectarine production estimates for 2022 will amount to 323,039 mt, down 27.84% compared to the previous year. Spain ranks fourth in world production, after China, Italy, and the US, producing 25% of the EU's total peach and nectarines crop. Six regions of Spain produce 95% of the peaches and nectarines: Cataluña, Aragón, Murcia, Andalucía, Extremadura and Valencia.

Source: Tridge

In 2021 Spain was the largest exporter of fresh nectarines with an export value of USD 1.11B. Germany was the major export destination of Spanish peaches and nectarines, with a total value of USD 364.24M and a total quantity of 212,409 mt in 2021. Despite the weakening purchasing power, the total EU consumption of fresh peaches and nectarines is expected to increase to 6.1 kg per capita (5% below the 5-year average).

Fresh Peach Wholesale Prices in Spain by Different Varieties

Source: Tridge

A challenging year is behind Spanish traders and farmers. Although production decreased, exporting fresh nectarines from Spain was stable in H1 2022. Recovery of nectarine production in Europe, where France, Italy, and Greece recorded better production results primarily thanks to better weather conditions, didn't ease the situation for Spain traders. With Turkiye nectarine also present in the EU market, competition is tough. The end of the season will mark a lack of supply and higher nectarine prices, which according to Tridg data in W2 of August, were around USD 1.32/kg.