The different hailstorms that have affected Catalonia — April 19 (Lleida, 3,397 ha, the most severe to date), April 26 (Lleida, localized damage), May 4–5 (Lleida, 752 ha), May 9 (Lleida, 30 ha), May 13 (Lleida, 130 ha and Girona), June 19 (Lleida, 1,160 ha), and July 12 (Lleida, 195 ha) — are the main reasons why this year’s pip fruit production forecast is below its full potential.
According to Manel Simon, General Director of Afrucat, “although some producers suffered serious damage from hail, the early timing of the storms has allowed us to anticipate a campaign with acceptable volumes and very high fruit quality. This points to a smooth and orderly season. Cold storage chambers are currently empty due to last year’s low production, so we’re not expecting market saturation — rather, a calm and stable year.”
Joan Serentill, president of Afrucat’s Apple and Pear Committee, reminded that in the case of pears, the market is national, and consumers — who are demanding in terms of size — will appreciate the fruit’s large calibres and sugar content.
Rosa Altisent, Director General of Agriculture and Livestock at DARPA, thanked Afrucat for its statistical work and stressed the Department’s commitment to supporting production, especially in adverse weather situations: “We’ve mobilized resources to compensate for the losses caused by this spring’s hailstorms and the production drop in pears last season. We’ve doubled the Department’s contribution to Agroseguro and increased aid to plant protection groups (ADV).”
Apples
The apple harvest forecast for Catalonia in 2025 stands at 260,790 tonnes, 4% below last year and 3% above the five-year average.
Despite signs of recovery, apple production remains far from its full potential, which would be around 200 million kilos, and is in line with the figures of the past five years.
Lleida’s apple forecast for 2025 is 170,290 tonnes — 6% above the five-year average and 1% above 2024.
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The Girona region has experienced a slight decline due to the lingering effects of last year’s severe drought and the alternate bearing effect (a high yield in 2024). Thanks to its focus on apple cultivation, Girona is expected to harvest 34% of Catalonia’s apples this year, while Lleida will account for 65%.
In terms of varieties, there is a notable increase in the Granny group and new varieties like Tutti.
Harvest timing will vary depending on the area, but in general, it is expected to be delayed by 3 to 7 days, although in some areas of Lleida the harvest will proceed on normal dates.
| GROUP | Forecast 2025 | Production 2024 | Var (%) 2025/24 | Var(%) 2025/m* |
| Golden and similar | 115.065 | 125.919 | -9% | -2% |
| Red | 11.060 | 10.874 | 2% | -16% |
| Gala | 50.160 | 51.411 | -2% | -3% |
| Fuji | 19.995 | 21.747 | -8% | -2% |
| Granny s. | 36.130 | 33.994 | 6% | 27% |
| Cripps Pink | 18.020 | 17.747 | 2% | 19% |
| Others | 10.360 | 8.726 | 19% | 100% |
| TOTAL | 260.790 | 270.419 | -4% | 3% |
Pears
The 2025 pear forecast for Catalonia is 107,730 tonnes — 4% below the five-year average but 47% higher than in 2024.
After last year’s drop, this season sees a partial recovery, although production is still below full potential. The variety showing the strongest rebound is Conference, with a 90% increase over last year.
Depending on the region, the harvest is expected to be delayed by 3 to 10 days, while in others, it will proceed as usual.
