Smaller EU cherry crop

The 2023/24 EU crop of peaches and nectarines is estimated at 3.6 million tons, while cherry production is anticipated to amount to 657,435 tons, according to a USDA report. Unfavourable growing conditions in main producing Member States led to the reduction in cherry production, while in peaches and nectarines, improved production levels in Spain offset poor performance registered in Italy. EU fresh stone fruit consumption has come under pressure due to the high inflation rate derived from the conflict in Ukraine.