The increase compared to last year’s level in this segment of European horticulture is due to more favorable weather conditions – the absence of severe frosts in a number of countries. Although rainy periods during apricot flowering will still limit the production potential. At this stage, only in Greece there are quite favorable weather conditions and prerequisites for a high yield of these fruits, writes Fresh Plaza.
Greece: a sharp increase in production is possible
Production is expected to reach around 95,000 tons in 2026. This, according to expert estimates, is about 40% higher than the 2025 harvest (67.75 thousand tons) and almost 20% above the 2020-2025 average.
Unlike last year (drought, late frosts, severe heat and hail), no major weather problems were recorded this season. The weather conditions favored good tree development. Production levels in the Macedonia region were close to normal, without any notable incidents, except for a few early varieties that showed a decrease in yields.
Harvest is expected to start around May 5-10 in Macedonia and from the last week of April in the southern regions.
Structurally, the Greek sector continues to improve fruit yields and quality in most regions. Both the area of plantations and the number of growers are increasing.
However, climate change is a major challenge requiring the introduction of more adapted varieties, especially in terms of frost tolerance.
The sector also faces a lack of “generational change” and a shortage of skilled labor. In the market, tightening regulations (packaging, labor, environmental protection) are increasing production costs without systematically affecting purchase price increases, undermining farm profitability.
Spain: production virtually unchanged
Spain’s 2025 harvest was 12.5% lower than the previous year (record 118.48 thousand tons). At the beginning of the new season, weather conditions are generally favorable, although there are differences from region to region. Winter allowed sufficient cold hours to accumulate, ensuring good flowering and proper initial development. Precipitation during the fall-winter period improved the water balance of the gardens’ soil.
However, in spring, a number of factors disrupted the campaign: rains during flowering and localized frosts in late March complicated fruit setting and led to increased disease damage to the plantations.
Despite these factors, the overall situation remains satisfactory, although uncertainties remain. The vegetation calendar is slightly ahead of last year by 5-7 days, due to higher temperatures in March and April, with variations depending on the zone and variety.
In terms of production, the outlook is mixed: stable or slightly increased in Murcia and Catalonia, while Andalusia, Castile-La Mancha and parts of Valencia are down.
Overall, production is expected to be similar or slightly lower than in 2025, by about 7%. The 2026 harvest is estimated at 110.12 thousand tons, 13% more than the average for 2020-2024.
Italy: the situation is relatively stable
In 2025, Italy’s apricot production is estimated at just under 192,000 tons. Which is lower than in 2024, due to unfavorable weather conditions and a slight reduction in plantation area. Late frosts affected the Adriatic coast regions, while spring rains and alternating rainfall had a negative impact on early varieties. In particular, Emilia-Romagna saw a marked decline of 41%. In the south, the decline was more limited (-12%).
No significant frosts were observed in 2026, although the return of cold weather in late March and early April had an impact on the country’s production. Nevertheless, flowering was generally satisfactory, although frequent rains disrupted fruit setting in some regions, leading to heterogeneity of yields in the regional context.
In the northern regions, production is expected to recover from the low levels of the 2025 crop, while in the south a slight decline in yield is forecast.
National production in 2026 is estimated at about 193 thousand tons, 1% higher than in 2025. This level is still slightly below the recent average, but higher than in years with large deficits such as 2020-2021.
The decline in apricot orchards continues, minus 4% between 2025 and 2026.
France: decent harvest, but below potential level
In France, the 2026 season is characterized by no frost but high humidity – especially in Languedoc-Roussillon, the most affected region. Heavy rains during flowering disrupted fruit setting, limiting production potential.
Initial projections are 106.5 thousand tons (compared to 98.19 thousand tons in 2025). However, these estimates may be revised downward due to losses caused by high humidity. conditions. Overall, production is expected to be lower than last year. However, quality (large fruit size) will partially compensate for the low yields of many apricot varieties.
