Peaches and nectarines market in France

Earlier Report Observations

The French market for fresh peaches and nectarines grew from 297 thousand tons in 2018 to 343 thousand tons in 2020, then contracted to 288 thousand tons in 2021 before recovering to 320 thousand tons by 2023.

The increase through 2020 coincided with a sector-wide focus on boosting orchard productivity and fruit quality, as outlined in a FranceAgriMer analysis that highlighted yield improvements and reduced reliance on phytosanitary products. After the sharp drop in 2021, production rebounded strongly in 2022, though the 2023 campaign was marked by a slight delay and concerns over water availability, which tempered domestic output.

During these years, the industry continued to plant new nectarine and flat peach varieties better suited to consumer tastes and regulatory constraints, while also implementing alternative protection methods against peach leaf curl to maintain crop health and market supply.

Production peaches and nectarines in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, France maintained the 11th position globally in terms of peach and nectarine production volume.

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

France's peach and nectarine production volume increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 234.1 thousand tonnes, marking a significant rise of 15.4% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.5%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 184.1 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 17.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports peaches and nectarines from France

Exports in kind, K t

Peach and nectarine exports from France declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 26.7 thousand tonnes, representing a modest drop of 9.7% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Italy emerged as the primary markets for France's peach and nectarine exports in volume terms. Switzerland accounted for 30.9% of exports, Belgium for 20.4%, and Italy for 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 66.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the value of peach and nectarine exports from France increased. In 2020, France exported 54.0 million US dollars' worth of peaches and nectarines, which is 17.9% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 22.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 45.8 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2018 at 28.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Switzerland, Belgium, and Germany remained the key destinations for France's peach and nectarine exports in value terms. Switzerland held 34.5% of export value, Belgium 24.9%, and Germany 15.1%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 74.4% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from France in value, 2017-2020

Imports peaches and nectarines to France

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, peach and nectarine imports into France amounted to 135.3 thousand tonnes, down by 13.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 22.1%, equating to an annualized rate of -8.0%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Spain clearly dominated as the main supplier of peaches and nectarines to France, accounting for 91.6% of total imports in volume terms.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of peach and nectarine imports into France stood at 220.9 million US dollars, up by 21.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 9.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 181.4 million US dollars, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain was the primary supplier of peaches and nectarines to France in value terms, accounting for 89.5% of total imports. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to France in value, 2017-2020