Market Trends of Fresh Peaches Industry
Advanced Farming Techniques are Fueling Peach Production
Agricultural technology advancements, including improved irrigation, pest control, and the development of new peach varieties, have led to higher crop yields and extended growing seasons, increasing the supply of fresh peaches. New varieties, such as the disease-resistant and climate-adaptable Felicia and Evelynn (yellow-fleshed) and Anna Rose (white-fleshed, released by Rutgers University in 2023), contribute to this growth. Notably, Evelynn shows low susceptibility to bacterial spot and increased cold hardiness compared to other varieties.
According to FAO data, global peach production reached 26.3 million metric tons in 2022, a 5.3% increase from the previous year's 25 million metric tons. China dominates production, contributing 63.7% of the global volume, followed by Spain (4%) and the USA (2%). The growing consumer awareness of healthy lifestyles has increased fresh fruit consumption, further driving the fresh peach market.
The rise in production has also led to increased processing of peaches into various products, including peach oil, puree, sorbets, and jams. Peach puree processing technology has extended the fruit's shelf life by converting it into liquid form. Additionally, greenhouse cultivation and organic peach production are significant factors driving market growth during the studied period.
Asia Pacific is the key player in the Fresh Peaches Market
Asia-Pacific is the largest and fastest-growing peach market globally. The region benefits from favorable growing conditions in most areas during the early season, resulting in high-volume harvests. China leads the region in both production and exports. In 2022, Russia lifted its import ban on Chinese fruits, quickly becoming the third-largest importer of Chinese peaches in MY 2022-2023. According to the USDA Stone Fruit Annual Report 2023, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, and Russia collectively accounted for over 80 percent of Chinese peach/nectarine exports in MY 2022/23.
China cultivates peaches across extensive areas due to favorable climatic conditions. The cultivation area is expanding annually, leading to increased production. FAOSTAT data shows that the peach cultivation area grew from 841,105 hectares in 2021 to 865,144 hectares in 2022. Additionally, yield improvements have further boosted production volumes. In 2022, the peach yield reached 19,438.5 kg/ha, a 2% increase from the previous year's 19,042.2 kg/ha.
Most peaches and nectarines in China are consumed fresh, with processed peach products (mainly juice/drinks, canned peaches, and preserved peaches) maintaining stable consumption levels. China is a major exporter of canned yellow peaches. The country also imports peaches to meet diverse consumer preferences. According to the USDA Stone Fruit Annual 2023 report, Chile and Australia are the primary suppliers of peaches to China, collectively accounting for 99% of China's peach imports in MY 2022-2023.
