top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Apricots arrive early amid ‘unfair Spain competition’

Apricots from the Pyrénées-Orientales region have arrived two weeks early in ideal climate conditions, but, despite this good news, producers are accusing Spanish farmers of “unfair competition”.

Solédane apricots, from the Roussillon region, have matured in abundance this year, and have arrived early due to near-perfect weather conditions.

They are described as large, nicely rounded, and full of sweet, sunshine-ripened flavour.

More are expected from the Drôme, Vaucluse and Gard departments in the coming weeks.

Yet, despite the good season, producers say that their crop is being threatened by too much competition from Spanish importers.

They have complained that Spanish apricots are being sold for 60 centimes per kilo, compared to 80-90 centimes per kilo for the French fruit.

Producers say this is causing supermarkets to abandon local produce in favour of foreign imports.

Over 60% of the season’s French apricot stocks are now being stored in cooperatives, in the hope that they will eventually be sold at a reasonable price.

Yet, if they are not able to sell, producers say they will consider taking action and protesting against what they call “unfair competition” from Spanish farms, including claiming damages for unsold produce.

Speaking to news source FranceInfo, a French producer said: “Spanish apricots arrived earlier than ours, and earlier in the year, our weather wasn’t as good, so consumers were not choosing them. Consumption got completely blocked. So Spanish apricots were being stocked in the fridge. Now we have arrived, and the market price has completely dropped.”

Another said: “If we have to drop our prices to the same as those from Spain, that’ll be it. We’ll be finished.”

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France