W31: Peach & Nectarine Update

In W31 in the peach and nectarine landscape, the 2023 Italian peach and nectarine season proceeded steadily, characterized by notably low and generally stable prices. This can be attributed to subdued demand. The peach and nectarine quality is not exceptional, partly influenced by adverse weather conditions over the past months, hindering optimal ripening. The recent intense heat compounds this situation. Spanish peach and nectarine imports to Italy ceased in W31.

Bulgarian orchards, encompassing around 65 thousand hectares (ha), are grappling with harsh conditions due to spring frosts and summer hailstorms. These climatic adversities wreaked havoc on peach plantations, severely damaging and limiting the harvest. The dire situation is most pronounced in Bulgaria’s northern and southeastern regions. Due to domestic produce scarcity to meet consumer demand, the Bulgarian market turned to imported Greek peaches and nectarines. This predicament is unlikely to shift, as the extremely low yield leads to a diminished harvest and jeopardizes the farmers’ financial stability. While the fruit purchase price has risen within Bulgaria, this increase does not translate to growers’ benefit due to the lack of substantial fruit quantities to sell.

Lastly, the South Korean Gyeongbuk Provincial Agricultural Research and Extension Services partnered with the Gyeongbuk Peach Export Agricultural Support Group and Gyeongsan City to launch a pioneering export initiative for Geumhong nectarine peaches to Hong Kong and Thailand on August 1. This is expected to diversify consumption patterns and enhance global recognition of nectarine peaches cultivated in Gyeongsangbuk-do in South Korea. The primary objective is to address the challenges of supply-demand volatility and domestic price fluctuations in the peach industry. Geumhong nectarine peach is characterized by its yellow hue and delightful sweetness that can be savored with the skin. It also has a fruit weight of 280 grams and a sugar content of 13.5 brix. Geumhong nectarine peach is set to mature in early Aug-23, further enhancing its appeal to international consumers.