pain’s stone fruit campaign has entered a mature phase in which it is no longer enough to identify who buys the most, but rather to understand how markets are shifting, which countries are growing, which are stabilizing, and where new windows of opportunity are opening. FEPEX data for 2023, 2024 and 2025 outline a dynamic landscape in which peaches, nectarines, cherries, apricots, plums and flat peaches continue to strengthen their position in Europe, while also revealing significant movements that point to where the sector may expand next.
Germany: the giant that keeps growing, but with a changing purchasing profile
Germany remains the driving force behind Spanish exports, both in value and volume. But the key lies not only in its size, but in the internal evolution of the market.
For nectarines, export value rises from €172.5 million in 2024 to €211.9 million in 2025, while volume increases from 109,094 t to 118,993 t. This reflects stronger market absorption and a price recovery after a more moderate 2024. In peaches, volume grows slightly but value rises faster, indicating that German buyers are willing to pay more for high‑quality fruit and larger calibres.
Flat peaches show an even clearer trend: value increases from €122.4 million to €133.3 million, while volume drops from 72,050 t to 65,143 t. This suggests a more selective demand oriented toward premium fruit.
France: stable volumes, but price pressure
France remains a solid destination, though the trend differs from Germany. Peach volumes barely change between 2024 and 2025 (from 18,956 t to 24,399 t), but value rises from €22.0 million to €33.6 million. Nectarine volume falls slightly, yet value increases. This points to a market that is not growing in consumption, but is increasing in added value, likely due to stronger segmentation between retail and specialized channels.
Italy: a market showing renewed activity
Italy shows a clear recovery in 2025, though with nuances. Nectarine value rises from €45.5 million to €47.5 million, but volume drops from 36,850 t to 31,455 t. In other words: Italy buys fewer kilos but pays more, a pattern consistent with shorter domestic campaigns and greater reliance on imported fruit during specific weeks.
In peaches, both value and volume increase, confirming Spain’s role as a key supplier when Italian production falls short.
The Netherlands: the barometer of Northern Europe
The Netherlands is not just a buyer; it is a redistribution hub. Nectarine value increases from €39.0 million to €43.4 million, while volume shows statistical adjustments linked to classification or final destination. What matters is that the Netherlands is gaining weight as a hub, anticipating stronger demand in Nordic countries. For flat peaches, both value and volume rise, confirming rapid adoption in Northern Europe.
Poland: the fastest‑growing market in Europe
Poland stands out clearly. Nectarine value rises from €33.3 million to €43.4 million, while volume grows from 33,309 t to 26,212 t. Peaches and flat peaches also show sustained growth in both indicators. Poland is becoming a strategic market, with young consumers, modern retail and a growing preference for intensely flavored summer fruit.
Cherries: a high‑value product with sensitive variations
Cherries are the most volatile product, and the variations confirm it. Germany and France maintain stable volumes, but value increases in 2025. Italy boosts demand in years of lower domestic production. The Netherlands and Poland show growing interest, though with smaller volumes. Spanish cherries have clear opportunities in non‑EU markets, where prices per kilo are significantly higher.
Plums and apricots: stability with opportunities in Eastern Europe
Plums remain stable in Germany and France, but grow in Poland and the Czech Republic. Apricots maintain moderate volumes but show rising prices in northern markets. Both products have room to grow in Central Europe, where consumption is increasing and local supply is irregular.
Flat peach: the standout performer
Flat peaches are the most dynamic product: value grows in Germany, France and Poland, consolidates in the Netherlands and increases globally despite a slight drop in volume. It is the product that best combines sweetness, aroma and shelf life—ideal for distant markets and premium retail.
Opportunities for the sector
Recent variations show that Spanish stone fruit is entering a stage where opportunities lie in capturing more value in consolidated markets and expanding in emerging territories. Germany opens space for premium programs thanks to more selective demand; France offers room to strengthen quality differentiation; Italy confirms Spain’s role as a strategic supplier during transition weeks; the Netherlands acts as a platform for Northern Europe; and Poland emerges as the most promising market, with expanding consumption and modern retail that favors new varieties.
Added to this are opportunities outside the EU—especially for cherries and large‑calibre nectarines—and the strong potential of flat peaches as the standout product, allowing the sector to move toward a model where growth depends not only on selling more, but on selling better, diversifying destinations and strengthening value. apostando por calidad, regularidad y vida útil.
