European crop estimate for apricots

In late April, during the medFEL trade fair in French Perpignan, the crop estimate for apricots was presented. In spite of a lot of rain during flowering, Spain expects a normal apricot crop. The estimate is 136,000 tonnes, or 1% more than in 2024 and no less than 48% more than the average over the preceding 5 years. The relatively big crop is mainly thanks to the absence of spring frost in 2025. The harvest is 10 to 15 days later than usual this year, though. The drought of the past couple of years did not affect the 2025 production. Thanks to abundant rains during the past winter, the moisture reserves in the soil have been replenished again. 

After a ‘normal’ apricot crop in 2024, Greece expects a 34% smaller crop this year. The estimated production of 67,750 tonnes is 14% lower than the average of the past 5 years. In the north of the country, at the start of flowering, temperatures fell to -5 °C, as a result of which especially early varieties will not bear enough this year. In Greece too, the harvest is 7 to 10 days later than what is normal. 

In Italy, the 2025 crop is estimated at 199,600 tonnes, which is 19% less than in 2024 and 13% less than the average of the past 5 years. The reason for this is spring frost. Italian apricot growers expect to harvest one week later than normal. 

In France, apricot trees have flowered very abundantly. Due to much rain during flowering and very changeable temperatures, there has been a lot of fruit drop. Nevertheless, at 104,800 tonnes, a 31% bigger crop is expected than in 2024 and 1% more than the five-year average. As is the case in other countries, the harvest will be later this year; in the case of France, about one week. (Hans Scholten)