FRESH AND PROCESSED PEACH MARKETS: THE CURRENT SITUATION AND DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTIVES

Approximately 90% of the total European peach production of more than 3 million metric tonnes is centred in four countries: Italy, France, Spain and Greece. Output rose at a rate in excess of 21% over the last decade and production increases are forecast to continue.

The trend of increasing supply, however, is not matched by a corresponding increase in demand. It is therefore not very difficult to predict that the problems generated by this gap in market forces will tend to worsen over the next few years. The planned expansion of the EEC will further aggravate the pressures brougth to bear by Spanish peaches on European consumer markets, especially in terms of the early ripening varieties.

The foregoing considerations are particularly pertinent in regard to common peaches. The outlook for clings and nectarines is, on the other hand, completely different, as conditions for further expansion of these crops still appear favourable. EEC self-sufficiency in processed peaches is slightly more than 60%, whereas the limited availability of nectarines ensures adequate returns to growers. Orchard expansion must be carefully monitored, however, if a sudden surplus in supply is to be avoided in this sector.