According to the data released yesterday, 29 April, at the Europech congress held during the Medfel Fair in Perpignan, European apricot production for 2026 is expected to stand 6% above 2025 levels (with a forecast of 505,320 tonnes), and 4% higher than the 2020–2024 average.
Weather conditions have been less problematic than last year; even so, there were isolated frosts and very rainy conditions during flowering. This situation, once again, will prevent the sector from reaching its full productive potential.
At this stage, only Greece will reach its normal production level, clearly above last year’s.
The stone fruit sector is undergoing a clear process of adjustment and transformation of its productive potential. The general trend points to a long‑term reduction in acreage, especially in peaches and apricots.
Overall, although acreage tends to decrease, the sector is seeking to compensate through higher productivity, better quality and greater efficiency. The model that is taking shape is more intensive, more technified and better adapted to an increasingly demanding climatic and commercial environment.
One of the most significant changes is the acceleration of varietal renewal. New plantations are focusing on varieties better adapted to current and future conditions, particularly climate change. This includes varieties with lower chilling requirements, greater firmness, improved shelf life, better post‑harvest performance and a closer fit to market demands. New products such as platerinas and other varieties that extend the commercial calendar are also gaining ground.
In general, the production calendar is shifting. Very early productions—more exposed to climatic risks such as frost or fruit set issues—are losing weight, while campaigns tend to extend into later dates. This shift aims to reduce risks and better align supply with market needs.
The sector is moving towards greater technification. Investments are increasing in protective systems, anti‑hail nets, improved agronomic management and technologies that enable higher productivity and quality. However, this modernisation is not uniform: part of the farms are investing and upgrading, while others are held back by ageing growers, lack of generational replacement and economic constraints.
| Country / Region | 2025 (t) | 2026 Forecast (t) | Var. 26/25 | Var. 26 vs. 2020–24 avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italy | 191,816 | 193,680 | +1% | –11% |
| Emilia Romagna | 62,081 | 74,082 | +19% | +24% |
| South Italy / Sicily / Sardinia | 119,373 | 109,152 | –9% | –20% |
| Other regions | 10,362 | 10,446 | +1% | –38% |
| Greece | 67,750 | 95,000 | +40% | +21% |
| Peloponnese / Sterea / Crete | 31,250 | 45,000 | +44% | +21% |
| Macedonia / Other regions | 36,500 | 50,000 | +37% | +20% |
| Spain | 118,483 | 110,120 | –7% | +9% |
| Valencia | 940 | 900 | –4% | –64% |
| Murcia | 60,000 | 55,000 | –8% | +5% |
| Aragón | 20,970 | 22,540 | +7% | +17% |
| Catalonia | 16,838 | 16,900 | 0% | +56% |
| Castilla-La Mancha | 8,747 | 5,870 | –33% | –23% |
| Rest of Spain | 10,988 | 8,910 | –19% | +2% |
| France | 98,194 | 106,520 | +8% | +13% |
| Languedoc–Roussillon | 32,107 | 30,366 | –5% | –14% |
| Rhône–Alpes | 50,709 | 61,700 | +22% | +39% |
| PACA | 15,378 | 14,454 | –6% | –2% |
| TOTAL EUROPE | 476,243 | 505,320 | +6% | +4% |
Catalonia
In recent years, Catalonia has restructured its apricot orchards towards more productive varieties while maintaining planted area, with the corresponding expectation of increased output. However, this year’s rain and wind have affected pollination and fruit set, keeping production at similar levels to last year.
| Province | 2024 (t) | 2025 (t) | 2026 Forecast (t) | Var. 26/25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 256 | 220 | 268 | +21.7% |
| Girona | 55 | 47 | 44 | –6.1% |
| Lleida | 11,162 | 14,829 | 15,421 | +4.0% |
| Tarragona | 1,549 | 1,742 | 1,167 | –33.0% |
| TOTAL | 13,022 | 16,838 | 16,901 | +0.4% |
