Europe’s peach and nectarine production looks set to recover this season, thanks to favourable growing conditions
Europe’s peach and nectarine production is set to be 2.74mn tonnes this season, 8 per cent higher on the year and 16 per cent above the average for 2020-2024.
That’s according to forecast data released by Medfel, which said a growing season free of any significant weather events would mean a recovery in volumes following a significant downturn in 2025.
Greece, which had a significant deficit in 2025, is returning to full production, while other major suppliers France, Italy and Spain are between 3 per cent and 5 per cent up on last year’s harvest.
The Medfel forecast suggests this year’s European peach crop will be 1.06mn tonnes, an increase of 6.7 per cent on last season’s 995,749 tonnes.
Flat peaches are expected to show a steeper upward trend, with a 11.9 per cent rise to 300,283 tonnes.
Nectarine production is predicted to be 9.1 per cent higher at 1.38mn tonnes, from 1.27mn tonnes in 2025.
Clingstone peaches, used mainly for processing, should reach just under 665,000 tonnes, 9.1 per cent up on 2025 but 3.6 per cent lower compared with the five-year average.
Country by country
Spain remains the largest producer of fresh-market peaches and nectarines, with total production forecast at 1.2mn tonnes, up 5 per cent in 2025.
Peach production is forecast at 311,779 tonnes, up 3 per cent year on year, while flat peaches will increase 12 per cent to 300,283 tonnes.
The strongest recovery is anticipated in Catalonia, where total production is forecast at 401,380 tonnes, compared with 353,466 tonnes in 2025.
Italy’s peach and nectarine crop is forecast up 3 per cent to 867,239 tonnes, with the increase comprising a marginal 1 per cent rise for peaches and a 5 per cent one for nectarines.
Greece is set to record a notable recovery following its frost-affected 2025 season.
Total peach and nectarine production in the country is forecast at 455,000 tonnes, up 35 per cent year on year, with a 23 per cent rise in peach output to 245,000 tonnes.
France, finally, is predicted to turn out 224,027 tonnes of peaches, nectarines and clingstones, up 4 per cent from 2025.
