European apricot producers expect a partial recovery in the harvest in 2026 following a poor season in 2025, according to an industry forecast by Europech.
According to European industry estimates, apricot production in Europe in 2026 could reach about 505,000 tons, which is approximately 6% more than in 2025 and 4% higher than the 2020–2024 average. At the same time, market participants note that harvest potential remains uneven across countries and regions.
Weather was the key factor of the season. In 2026, there were no large-scale destructive frosts in Europe; however, the return of cold weather in late March and early April affected some orchards. Blooming was generally satisfactory, but frequent rains in some areas hampered fruit set. Therefore, northern regions may recover from the low volumes of 2025, while more subdued dynamics are expected in southern Europe.
For the market, this means an increase in supply, but not a complete elimination of risks. European exporters are already warning that the season could be challenging in terms of sales: as volumes increase, competition will intensify between Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and other producers. This could put pressure on prices, especially in the fresh apricot and processing raw material segments.
April frosts in Ukraine caused damage and blossom drop in apricots, peaches, sweet cherries, pears, and sour cherries, while having no critical impact on winter crops, according to the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.
“A large number of intense frosts were unfavorable for the flowering of fruit crops and perennial plantings. Due to the prolonged drop in temperatures, stone fruits showed signs of blackening and flower drop,” meteorologists noted.
According to experts, Arctic air masses dominated in Ukraine throughout April, leading to cold weather. There was no sustained rise in average daily temperatures above 10°C by the end of the month, and the lag behind the long-term average was 1.5–2 weeks.
Agrometeorological conditions for the rooting and growth of winter crops remained quite favorable, as their frost resistance proved to be higher than the recorded temperatures. Frosts caused almost no damage to winter crops and early spring crops, which were in the mass emergence phase by the end of April. Only in isolated areas was slight yellowing of wheat and barley leaves observed due to the cold.
At the same time, frequent frosts caused the deeper soil layers to cool: at depths of 5 cm and 10 cm, the temperature in some places did not exceed 7–10°C. In regions with a precipitation deficit, the upper soil layers were assessed as slightly moist or dry, which complicated the sowing of late-season heat-loving crops.
The Hydrometeorological Center noted that, thanks to the predominantly moderate temperature regime in the spring, drought conditions developed gradually. This made it possible to maintain the content of productive moisture in the soil, especially in its deeper layers, at a sufficient and optimal level until the end of the month.
