The European peach and nectarine sector is heading into the 2026 season under significant cost pressure, which could push fruit prices up by between 10% and 15%, according to Afrucat during the presentation of the Interprunus forum.
“We can speak of an increase of between 10% and 15% in fruit prices overall as a result of a 15% rise in material costs, 6% in cardboard, 35% in transport and between 30% and 60% in fertilizers,” explained Afrucat’s general manager, Manel Simon.
This increase comes at a particularly sensitive time for stone fruit production, further impacting farm profitability.
A blow at a key moment in the production cycle
Afrucat’s president, Andreu Viladegut, stressed that rising costs have hit at the worst possible time: “The conflict has taken place at a particularly delicate moment for fruit production, namely the first quarter of the year.”
“These are the months when most farm inputs are purchased, such as herbicides or fertilizers, and even if prices were to stabilize tomorrow, this investment has already been made and will directly impact fruit production costs,” he added.
Additional pressure comes from rising water costs, especially in irrigation areas dependent on pumping systems powered by electricity and diesel.
Transport and logistics under strain
The conflict with Iran is already creating tensions in international logistics, with disruptions in maritime transit and rising container costs. This situation could worsen as the first fruits, such as cherries and apricots, reach retail shelves.
Although marketing is not expected to be significantly affected — as the main market for Catalan fruit remains Europe — the cost increases will have consequences across the entire value chain.
“Someone along the value chain has to absorb and pass on these costs. The primary sector cannot take them on, as it is already under significant pressure,” Simon warned.
Interprunus to address the upcoming campaign outlook
This context will be one of the key topics at Interprunus, the international peach and nectarine forum to be held on May 21 in Lleida, organized by Afrucat together with Medfel and the Occitanie Region.
The event will bring together representatives from Spain, Italy, France and Greece to present the European crop forecast and analyze the market outlook for stone fruit.
It will also address key issues such as the impact of the EU-Mercosur agreement, plant protection challenges, international trade developments, as well as a review of the 2025 season and prospects for 2026.
