Fresh Market Digest w25/2025

European Stone Fruit Market Update – Week 25, 2025

Market Overview

Europe’s stone fruit market is currently marked by stark contrasts: severe production losses in the south and resilient performance in the north, particularly for cherries. Weather disruptions—including spring frosts in Greece and Puglia, and heavy rains in northern Italy—have fragmented supply, but demand remains robust, driven by health trends and seasonal preferences. As the main harvest season progresses, supply is expected to rise, which may further influence prices and demand.

Wholesale prices developments

The Rungis stone fruit market is currently experiencing a noticeable shift as the main harvests progress, with prices generally declining for standard grades but remaining elevated for premium and French-sourced fruit. Apricots from Spain are seeing the most significant price decreases, with both 40–45mm and 45–50mm categories dropping by about 4–6% week-on-week, reflecting increased supply and seasonal correction. French apricots, particularly the premium varieties, are much more stable in price and maintain a clear premium over Spanish fruit, especially for larger sizes, where prices remain well above €4/kg. This underscores the strong market preference for French quality and provenance.

Cherry prices at Rungis remain the highest among stone fruits but are also showing the most volatility. All cherry categories have seen weekly price declines, with the largest drops occurring for premium sizes. Despite these declines, French cherries, especially at the top end of the size spectrum, continue to command the highest prices, with +32mm cherries still fetching €13/kg. This volatility highlights the delicate balance between supply, demand, and quality in the cherry market.

Peaches and nectarines are following a similar trend, with standard grades (A) experiencing sharp weekly price declines, down nearly 18% for both Spanish white and yellow flesh varieties. In contrast, premium grades (AA) are holding steady, and French-sourced fruit consistently trades at a significant premium, with AA peaches and nectarines priced at €4.80/kg and up. Flat white peaches from Spain are an exception, with more modest price decreases and greater price stability, likely due to their niche market status.

The German stone fruit wholesale market is currently characterized by strong price differentiation based on origin, fruit type, and quality level. Cherries are the standout category in terms of price, with large-sized fruit from all major origins commanding premium rates. Spanish cherries are the most affordable among the large-size offerings at €7.34/kg. In the nectarine segment, prices are more moderate but still show notable variation. Italian yellow-fleshed nectarines are priced between €3.45 and €3.55/kg for AA and A grades, while Spanish AA nectarines are slightly higher at €4.00/kg, with Spanish A grade at €3.62/kg. Flat nectarines (“Platerinas”) from Spain are offered at €3.50/kg, indicating that specialty varieties are valued but not at a significant premium over standard nectarines.

Peaches in Germany also exhibit a clear origin-based price structure. Spanish yellow-fleshed peaches, especially the >AA grade, fetch the highest price at €4.33/kg, with Spanish AA at €4.00/kg. Italian AA peaches are priced at €3.97/kg, and Italian A at €3.71/kg. This suggests that Spanish peaches, particularly those of the highest quality, are in strong demand and command a premium over Italian fruit.

Apricots show a similar trend, with French apricots leading at €4.64/kg, followed by Italian (€4.27), Turkish (€4.25), and Spanish (€3.62) apricots. The relatively high prices for French and Italian apricots may reflect their reputation for quality or limited availability, while Spanish apricots remain the most accessible option for price-sensitive consumers.

In the Mercamadrid wholesale market, stone fruit prices reflect a clear hierarchy and ongoing market trends. Apricots are trading at €3.25/kg, positioning them as a mid-range option among stone fruits, likely supported by steady demand and a balance between local and imported supply. Peaches show significant price differences by variety: red-fleshed peaches are notably more affordable at €2.44/kg, while yellow-fleshed peaches command a higher price at €3.67/kg, likely due to greater popularity, better flavor profile, or superior market positioning. Yellow-fleshed nectarines are competitively priced at €2.76/kg, making them a relatively economical choice compared to cherries and yellow peaches, but still above red peaches.

Italian market developments for cherries

Despite not reaching full production potential, the quality of cherries in Emilia-Romagna is reported to be beyond expectations. The application of multi-purpose tarpaulins and advanced crop protection has safeguarded harvests, especially in Vignola, where 40% of orchards are covered by nets. On the contrary, Puglia in Southern Italy, which produces about 30% of Italy’s cherries, has suffered catastrophic losses (70–100%) due to frost. The prized Ferrovia, Georgia, and Bigarreau varieties are most affected.

In May, overall fruit sales in Italian supermarkets declined by 3.1% in volume, but prices rose by 3.8% year-on-year. Cherries remain a premium product with high prices, leading consumers to buy smaller quantities, but demand for quality remains robust. However, the promise of quality justifies premium pricing in many retailers, even as consumers adjust their purchasing habits.

European Apricot Market Analysis

The apricot market is experiencing a transition period as the main harvests begin and early-season supply constraints are gradually alleviated. Weather disruptions in key producing regions continue to influence yields and market dynamics, while demand remains robust due to the fruit’s health appeal and seasonal popularity.

Production Outlook:

Production in Italy is expected to fall by 19% to about 199,500 tonnes due to hail and weather issues that damaged orchards. The same situation is mirrored in Greece, with harvest being projected at 67,750 tonnes, down 34% from last year due to frost and hail.

French production is recovering from a poor 2024, with volumes expected to return to normal around 105,000 tonnes. On the other hand, Turkey, the world’s largest apricot producer, has suffered catastrophic losses with over 70% crop reduction, severely limiting fresh and dried exports to Europe.

Overall, the start of the apricot season was delayed by 10–15 days across Europe due to cool and wet spring weather. Significant harvests began in late May and early June, with supply increasing gradually through week 24 and expected to expand further in weeks 25–27.

Market forecast

Demand for fresh apricots is strong, supported by health trends and upcoming seasonal promotions. Retailers are preparing for the “fortnight of the apricot” (late June to early July), with planned campaigns to stimulate consumption. Reduced Turkish exports are forcing European buyers to look elsewhere, though quality and regulatory challenges remain. French producers are launching promotional campaigns in Germany and domestically to capitalize on the limited supply and boost consumption.

Outlook for the Coming Weeks

Apricot volumes will continue to increase as mid- and late-season varieties enter the market, especially in Spain and France. The impact of weather-related losses will keep overall supply below last year’s levels, but above the five-year average. Prices are expected to remain elevated compared to last year, but may soften as supply increases and promotional activity ramps up.

Conclusion

The market remains dynamic and regionally fragmented. While southern Europe grapples with significant production challenges and elevated prices, northern regions are enjoying more stable supply and strong quality. Demand for premium stone fruit is robust, driven by health-conscious consumers and seasonal promotions, but high prices are prompting some buyers to adjust their purchasing habits. Looking ahead, increasing supply and targeted marketing efforts are expected to gradually ease price pressures, though weather-related uncertainties and limited exports from key producers like Turkey will continue to shape the market landscape in the coming weeks.

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