Around 5,000 tonnes of the fruit believed to have been damaged, but losses could have positive impact on prices
A hailstorm that struck the La Ribera region of Valencia on Monday has caused localised damage to the persimmon harvest, which is in full swing. According to local reports, around 5,000 tonnes of the fruit in the municipalities of Carlet and Massalavés has been affected.
According to Pascual Prats, president of the Spanish Kaki Association, around 20 per cent of the remaining harvest has been damaged by hail.
However, given that at this point of the season supply typically ramps up, growers believe the losses will have a positive impact on prices.
Together with incidences of pests and previous hailstorms, this year’s crop is expected to be down by around 20 per cent on initial estimates, which pegged the crop at 320,000-340,000 tonnes.
Spain’s persimmon industry has had a bumpy ride over the past few years. Following a period of significant growth between 2011 and 2018, low prices, a series of adverse climatic events and rising pest problems have made life increasingly difficult for farmers, leading to a notable contraction in planted area.
According to Prats acreage has shrunk from a peak of 18,500ha five years ago to 14,000ha today. “We’re talking about a decrease of 20-30 per cent, which naturally reduces the country’s productive potential, so the days of 500,000 tonne harvests have long gone,” he told Fruitnet.
