Spanish stone fruit season almost underway again.

The stone fruit season at our grower SAT Sintesis (Primor) in Seville will start about ten days later than usual this year. This is due to low temperatures in January and heavy rainfall in March. Although the rain has contributed to well-filled water reserves, the persistently changeable weather with little sunlight has delayed ripening and affected fruit quality.

Despite the delay, the first nectarines and peaches in Seville are now reaching their desired colour and weight. The first shipments to the Netherlands are expected in week 19. The harvest from Murcia will follow in week 20, where the weather has been less unpredictable and the outlook is more favourable, particularly for the Paraguayo variety. These are expected from Murcia from week 21 onwards.

Looking further ahead, supplies from Badajoz will start around week 22. The outlook there is positive. In Lerida, the harvest is expected around week 24/25.

Fewer apricots and especially plums

The apricot harvest in Murcia is expected to start in week 20, a week later than normal. However, volumes there are limited due to unfavourable weather. Conditions are better in Lerida, which translates into more positive harvest expectations. For plums, production in Spain is about 40% lower this year. Wet conditions during flowering led to poor pollination and therefore lower yields.

Finally, the first cherries from the Jerte Valley are expected from week 22. This harvest has been delayed by more than two weeks due to rain and low temperatures.

In summary, despite lower volumes of mainly apricots and plums, we expect to be able to provide a stable supply of good quality fruit again this season. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide timely information on relevant developments.