In W39 in the peach and nectarine landscape, the California Canning Peach Association reports that the 2023 peach harvest reached 219 thousand metric tons (mt), an increase of 7% compared to 204 thousand mt in 2022. This is a better-than-expected peach crop, considering a rocky beginning to the 2023 season. The extended winter and prolonged rains at the start of 2023 caused a significant drop in peach blossoms.
Spain's stone fruit season has been exceptionally positive so far in 2023, marked by consistently high peach and nectarine prices throughout the campaign. Spanish fruit varieties, such as Regal, Paraguayos, and Ondine flat nectarines, performed exceptionally well. Market experts indicate that traders provided peach and nectarine fruits with superior flavor and color, especially during periods of Paraguayos oversupply in the market. This focus on peach and nectarine qualities satisfied consumer demands, ensuring repeat purchases and promoting good product rotation on store shelves.
Lastly, the peach harvest in Dandong City, China, registered a remarkable 30% year-on-year (YoY) surge in total output in Sep-23. These peaches, known for their outstanding quality, were sold for over USD 2.78 per kilogram (kg). Hekou Yanhong peaches, also called No.9 Big Peaches, are a highly desired variety in China due to their juiciness, delightful taste, and large size. Hekou Yanhong peaches typically blossom around May and mature between late September to October. Hekou Yanhong peaches have a brief picking season, lasting about 20 to 30 days.