The stonefruit season is currently marked by general confusion. There is a huge pressure on prices, which have fallen by between 30 and 50% in just two weeks, depending on the product and type of packaging, explains by Josep Presseguer, president of Fruits de Ponent. This company is the largest stonefruit company in Europe terms of volume, with around 55 to 65 million kilos.
"We have very favourable weather conditions across Europe which are allowing us to supply an excellent quality fruit, as well as adequate volumes, lower than last season. Furthermore, demand is high this campaign. Given those circumstances, 'the rules' tell us that prices should be higher, or at least sufficient to earn a living," he points out.
While the type of packaging used by each trader plays an important role, stonefruit baskets have suffered the most pressure. They have gone from 65 cents at origin to around 44 cents, which is "terrible for producers," according to the exporter.
Moreover, it appears that the uncertain business situation in Greece has led to the market being flooded with fruit at rock-bottom prices, and which, according to Josep Presseguer, have caused a collapse of prices in the markets of Eastern Europe. "Although this doesn't explain everything, obviously," he adds.
"We'll see whether we are facing a change in the model or just temporary or speculative movements. We may be about to see a restructuring of the sector that could eventually result in a greater concentration of supply and the abandonment of agriculture for many growers," states Presseguer.
"It's sad, growers don't produce fruit for it to be withdrawn"
Meetings between the European Commission and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture are still pending. "We are hoping for an extension of the exceptional measures introduced to tackle the impact of the Russian veto for both stonefruit and any other fruits that may need it. However, it will still be sad, because our growers do not aim to work just to have their goods withdrawn or transformed into something else, but to allow consumers to enjoy a quality product," he concludes.
