Rise in EU peach and nectarine consumption

Consumption of fresh peaches and nectarines in the EU is projected to increase by 3% this year compared to 2021. Per capita consumption is estimated to rise from 5.9 kilos In 2021 to 6.1 kilos per capita this year, despite weakening purchasing power, according to the European Commission Report on the Perspectives of the agricultural markets for summer 2022. However, this figure is 5% lower than the average consumption of the last five years. This year’s growth in consumption is driven by increased production, good weather and the return of tourism, according to the European Commission.

Crop sizes are expected to be higher in all producing countries except Spain, where frost damage is set to reduce volumes by 20%. EU exports of peaches and nectarines will remain stable, at around 140,000 tons (+2% year-on-year), with the current difficulties in exporting to the east of Europe negatively impacting sales. Belarus and Ukraine are among the top-5 destinations for EU exports.