Based on an estimated yield of 24,431 kg per hectare, 8.6% higher than the average recorded between 2020 and 2024, the study estimates the average production cost at €0.585/kg, comprising €0.260/kg in general costs and €0.229/kg in family labour costs.
These figures do not include packing and marketing costs. Assuming an indicative packing cost of €0.506/kg, the total cost of packed peaches and nectarines is estimated at €1.234/kg.
According to the study’s conclusions, the average production cost of peaches and nectarines in Catalonia is expected to reach €14,298 per hectare in 2026, representing an increase of between 10% and 15% compared with the average cost of €12,846/ha recorded over the 2020–2024 period (expressed in constant 2024 values).
A tool to improve transparency across the sector
The authors stress that the study is not intended to establish selling prices, but rather to provide an objective estimate of production costs that helps improve the sector’s economic understanding and serves as a reference for commercial negotiations.
An earlier end to the season
AFRUCAT expects this summer’s stone fruit season to finish earlier than usual as a result of the increasingly early ripening and harvesting observed across different varieties.
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For some varieties, harvesting is taking place around ten days earlier than in recent seasons and up to twenty days earlier than under the traditional production calendar of previous years.
“This scenario could lead to greater demand concentration during the final stage of the season and more limited product availability. Good commercial planning between all operators in the supply chain will be particularly important to guarantee customer supply,” said Jaume Lozano, Chairman of AFRUCAT’s Stone Fruit Committee.
