Europe Faces Peach Shortage, Turns to Morocco for Imports Amid Record Low Harvest

Strong consumer demand facing a very low harvest. Europe "is experiencing a very poor peach and nectarine harvest," reports RFI. And for good reason, the frost in March and especially April affected the four main producing countries: Italy, Spain, France and Greece. The European harvest forecasts are particularly low this year: about 1.9 million tons, or 16% less than a year earlier. A poor production had also been recorded in 2020.

In the eyes of industry professionals, this very low harvest is the worst Europe has ever recorded since 1991. With a decrease of around 45% compared to last year, Greece is at the head of the pack, followed by France (34%). Result: prices will skyrocket, as demand exceeds supply.

To meet still high consumption, Europe will have to turn to countries like Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Peach and nectarine producers in these countries will thus be able to increase their exports to the old continent.