In 2025, European production reached around 3.14 million tonnes, 9% below the 2024 crop. That season was marked by severe frosts in Greece and Turkey, which significantly affected summer fruit output. In Italy, France, and Spain, no major frosts occurred, but heavy and frequent rainfall during flowering slightly reduced production potential. Weeks later, violent hailstorms hit several Spanish growing areas, including Catalonia, Aragón, and Murcia.
For 2026, forecasts point to a season without major weather incidents. Although some isolated frosts may have slightly affected certain regions, European production remains largely unaffected.
According to data presented at Interprunus, European peach and nectarine production is expected to reach 3.41 million tonnes, 9% more than in 2025 and 11% above the 2020–2024 average. Greece, which suffered a sharp production deficit last year, recovers its optimal level, while other producing countries show increases of 3–5% over the previous season.
Table 1. Forecast for the 2026 harvest and 2025 production of peaches and nectarines in Europe.
Only Spain reports flat peaches separately; in other countries the volumes are very small and are included within round peaches.
The 2026 harvest forecast generally shows a recovery of production potential in the main European peach, nectarine, and clingstone‑peach producing countries, after a 2025 season marked by very uneven situations depending on the country.”
Greece
Production in 2026 is forecast clearly higher than in 2025: around 455,000 tonnes of peaches and nectarines (+35%) and 300,000 tonnes of clingstone peaches (+12%). The recovery stems from favorable winter and spring conditions, after the severe frosts of 2025. The Greek sector shows better yields and quality, though a gradual reduction in peach and clingstone acreage as some growers shift to kiwi. In northern Greece, interest grows in nectarines and late peach varieties.
Spain
Spain’s 2026 season also looks positive, with a total forecast of 1.51 million tonnes, 6% more than in 2025 and 14% above the recent average. Of these, 1.2 million tonnes correspond to peaches, nectarines, and flat peaches, and 316,000 tonnes to clingstones. After a stable 2025 season marked by the end of drought in the Ebro Valley, 2026 brings favorable conditions, improved water reserves, and good chilling hours, though uncertainties remain in Catalonia and Aragón, and declines are expected in Extremadura due to poor fruit set. Trends point to less acreage but greater technification, varietal renewal, and stronger focus on quality and market demands.
Italy
Italy’s production is expected to reach 867,000 tonnes of peaches and nectarines (+3%) and 45,000 tonnes of clingstones (–2%). The slight decline in 2025 was mainly due to reduced planted area, not weather damage. The market performed well, with strong domestic and export demand and higher prices. The downward trend in peach and clingstone area continues, while nectarine remains stable.
France
France forecasts 224,000 tonnes of peaches and nectarines (+4%) and 3,500 tonnes of clingstones, nearly stable. The 2025 season was uneven, with early fruit shortages followed by oversupply, especially of small-caliber nectarines. Producers will need to thin more carefully in 2026 to achieve larger, higher-value fruit. Structurally, French production appears stabilized, with renewed orchards and nectarines dominating (65%). Flat fruit, particularly flat nectarines, continue to expand.
Catalonia Recovers Part of Its Potential (+13.5% vs. 2025)
According to Afrucat, Catalonia’s 2026 peach and nectarine crop could reach 422,870 tonnes, 13.5% above 2025 and 24% above the 2021–2025 average. Despite hailstorms on April 19, May 4, and May 12, the region maintains high productive potential, pending final assessment of fruit size and damage. Lleida accounts for nearly all the growth, with 403,970 tonnes forecast (+14%), led by nectarine (+15.4%), flat nectarine (+17.7%), and flat peach (+14.8%). Tarragona remains stable at 15,340 tonnes (+0.8%).
Structurally, Catalonia continues to strengthen the share of nectarines—especially flat ones—and flat peaches, segments with dynamic growth and rising demand, and a clear orientation toward higher quality and added value, amid ongoing climatic and varietal adaptation challenges.
