Staay Food Group Reports Delayed Start to Spanish Stonefruit Season Due to Adverse Weather

Dutch importer Staay Food Group has announced a delayed start to its Spanish stonefruit campaign, citing unseasonably cold temperatures and heavy rainfall in March. The season is expected to begin approximately ten days later than usual.

Working in close partnership with SAT Sintesis (Primor), a grower based in Seville, Staay noted that while the rain has replenished water reserves, the ongoing lack of sunshine and fluctuating weather conditions have negatively impacted fruit development. “The persistently changeable weather with little sunlight has delayed ripening and affected fruit quality,” the company stated.

Despite these challenges, the first nectarines and peaches from Seville are beginning to reach the desired size and colour. Initial shipments to the Netherlands are expected to commence in week 19.

Further harvests will follow in other key regions. Fruit from Murcia is expected in week 20, where more stable weather conditions have led to a more optimistic outlook, particularly for the popular Paraguayo variety, which should be available from week 21. Badajoz is projected to begin harvesting around week 22, with positive conditions reported there. In Lleida, the harvest is expected around weeks 24 to 25.

Reduced Volumes of Apricots and Plums

Staay also reported a reduced apricot crop in Murcia, where the harvest will start in week 20, roughly one week behind schedule. Poor weather has limited volumes, though improved yields are anticipated in Lleida.

Plum production across Spain has suffered more significantly, with overall volumes expected to be down by about 40%. Excessive rainfall during the flowering period led to poor pollination, severely impacting yields.

Meanwhile, the first cherries from the Jerte Valley are forecast to arrive in week 22. That harvest has also been pushed back by over two weeks due to rain and cooler-than-average temperatures.

Stable Supply Expected Despite Lower Yields

“In summary, despite lower volumes of mainly apricots and plums, we expect to be able to provide a stable supply of good quality fruit again this season,” Staay Food Group concluded. The company added that it will continue to monitor developments closely and provide regular updates throughout the campaign.