W30: Peach & Nectarine Update

In W30 in the peach and nectarine landscape, peach and nectarine prices in the Italian market continued to decline, reaching lower levels than in 2022. The market demand was mainly focused on larger calibers. The overall quantity remained high, despite the lower peach and nectarine supply from the Emilia-Romagna region. Spanish peach and nectarine production concluded, leaving only some batches of peach and snuff boxes in the market. Customers preferred Italian products to Spanish fruits.

A devastating hailstorm on July 22 and July 23 caused significant damage to the remaining peach crops in the Sliven region in Bulgaria. Almost half of the permanent plantations in the area were affected, with orchards near villages like Rechitsa, Krushare, Kamen, Zhelyo Voivoda, and Chintulovo being hit. The hail also continued near Karnobat. The Compote peach varieties, which usually bloom later and have better survival during severe frosts, were particularly impacted by the hail. Normally, these varieties yield around 3 metric tons (mt) per hectare (ha). However, in 2023, the surviving peaches from the previous frost disaster were unable to escape the destruction caused by the recent hailstorm.

Uzbekistan is experiencing a high peach and nectarine harvest and low prices in the 2023 season. This contributes to a significant increase in shipments to foreign markets. The peach and nectarine export season started in late May-23. In the first two months of the 2023 season, Uzbek peach and nectarine exports reached 51.1 thousand mt, valued at USD 41.0 million. This indicates a 27% year-on-year (YoY) increase in volume and almost double the amount exported in the same period in 2021. Uzbekistan is on track to potentially surpass the previous record set in 2020 when shipments reached 82.2 thousand mt with about two months remaining in the export season. As of July 21, the average wholesale price in Uzbekistan was 27% YoY lower and 38% lower than the same date in 2021.

Lastly, Cardinal peach harvesting commenced in the Crimea region in Ukraine. The peaches are destined for domestic markets and shops in Crimean cities. The ripeness is determined by the color, with most of the fruit being red or yellow. The rainy spring was beneficial for peach trees, resulting in slightly larger fruits. The Cardinal variety, known for its dense pulp, allows the peaches to be transported over long distances without damage. The peaches are packed in special cardboard packaging to prevent contact during transportation. The wholesale price at the orchard is USD 1.60/kg. In the Crimean markets, Cardinal peaches are sold for USD 2.13/kg to USD 2.66/kg. The high quality and undamaged peaches are also exported to Russia for even higher prices.