Stone Fruits Market Digest w19

Weekly Stone Fruits Market Updates

Main Price Movements in the EU

As mentioned, Germany emerges as a key importer of Mediterranean stone fruits within the EU, making its wholesale market a valuable repository of pricing information. Rungis' wholesale market in France also holds significant sway in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade. Our insights into the stone fruit market are derived from the knowledge of our industry experts, complemented by data sourced from the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture and the French Market News Network.

The insights from the Central European market indicate that prices of Spanish stone fruit differ based on the size of the fruit, with larger sizes commanding higher prices. In Frankfurt, grade A Spanish peaches and nectarines,  have taken up well. However, the trade of 10x500gr packages proved to be challenging due to the packaging type. Yellow-fleshed peaches and nectarines from Spain remained popular at around €5 per kg for grades A and B, but the entry of Turkish yellow-fleshed peaches and nectarines, priced at €17.90 to €23, affected the competition in the market. Spanish apricots saw a significant increase in quantity with varying ripeness levels, leading to price drops to €5.35. per kg. Spanish cherries fetched prices ranging from €11 to €15 for larger calibers and €6 to €9 for smaller ones. Quality-oriented customers paid €17 for cherries in 5 kg boxes. Turkish cherries also entered the market alongside Spanish lots.

As stone fruit season unfolds, demand is on the rise, matching the increasing availability from various sources. With multiple origins contributing to the market, prices are declining due to heightened competition. Spanish and French cherries have notably decreased in price compared to last week, mirroring trends observed in the cherry sector. While the initial harvest of Greek cherries has reached local markets, their durability falls short for European exports. However, next week promises the arrival of top-tier cherries, poised to meet the standards of the international market. At Wikifarmer, we're proud to offer early, high-quality Greek cherries that satisfy global demand. 

Due to warm winter temperatures, the stone fruit season in Spain, particularly in Murcia, began nearly two weeks earlier than usual. On the other hand, despite recent cold spells affecting apricot crops, overall expectations remain positive. We also note reductions in peach cultivation,  mainly attributed to water restrictions and the pursuit of more flavorful varieties, with producers anticipating an average production volume per hectare. 

Sales of stone fruits during the current season may be impacted, taking in consideration the high prices and the rising production costs, particularly in labor. There's ongoing tension with the workforce, though less critical in Murcia due to multiple harvest seasons. The importance of maintaining market share is highlighted under these circumstances, with stone fruit exports lagging in recent years, amid increasing competition from third-country products.

Final Call for EU's Packaging Regulation

The use of plastic and waste generated is a growing problem, affecting wildlife, ecosystems, and people. Due to its practicality, plastic remains the predominant material for packaging fruits, mainly stone fruits, often found in clamshell punnets and other single-use plastic containers. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these packages either cannot be recycled or fail to undergo the recycling process. To enhance sustainability within the agricultural sector and minimize environmental impact, the European Union is progressing towards implementing a finalized regulation to reduce plastic waste. This initiative focuses on transforming packaging materials into recyclable alternatives through specific measures and steps.

A European Union packaging regulation is set to introduce ambitious waste reduction targets and mandates that all packaging in the EU market be recyclable and carry recycling labeling. Negotiations on the regulation concluded between the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament in March 2024, with the finalized text undergoing legal review and expected formal adoption by summer. Upon adoption, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and take effect 20 days later, with enforcement beginning 18 months thereafter.

Key provisions of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) include progressive packaging waste generation per capita reductions by member states compared to a 2018 baseline level, aiming for reductions of at least 5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, and 15% by 2040. Recycling targets for packaging waste are also outlined, alongside a mandate that all packaging placed on the EU market must be recyclable.

Furthermore, starting January 1, 2030, the regulation will prohibit single-use plastic packaging for prepacked fresh fruit and vegetables weighing less than 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds). Within 36 months of the regulation's enactment, sticky labels attached to fruits and vegetables will be required to be compostable in industrial bio-waste treatment facilities and compatible, as needed, with home composting standards. As we transition towards a more sustainable future within the supply chain, Wikifarmer remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting these initiatives through all our services.