France is gearing up for a strong plum harvest in 2026, with overall market volumes estimated between 56,000 and 58,000 metric tons for the fresh market. According to a report by FreshPlaza, the sector is anticipating approximately 90% of a standard harvest, backed by favorable weather, high fruit quality, and the official rollout of its “Ecoresponsible Orchard” label, EastFruit notes.
The French plum sector presented its third annual forecast at medFEL, highlighting a stable outlook compared to the 54,000–58,000 tons produced in 2025.
Regional breakdowns and crop conditions
Following good flowering conditions across most regions—despite a prolonged rainy period that affected early-blooming varieties like African Rose—growers report no major damage from spring frosts.
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Southwest France: Production is holding steady at approximately 90% of a normal year.
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Southeast France: Yield potential is expected to hit 100%, with good overall fruit size and quality.
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East France (Lorraine): Expected at 70% to 80% of full potential due to natural alternate bearing following heavy yields in previous years.
“We were not affected by spring frost or major weather hazards, meaning we can expect a sufficiently early harvest with strong sizing and quality,” noted Jérôme Capel, speaking on behalf of the French plum producers’ association.
Production cost pressures and pricing requirements
Despite an encouraging volume outlook, growers face mounting financial pressure. Production costs—driven by rising prices for energy, logistics, fertilizer, and transport—have surged by over 15% since 2024.
To maintain farm profitability, the sector is calling on wholesale and retail partners to adjust purchase prices upward. As a benchmark, the association indicates that first seasonal releases of size-50 red plums (5 kg packing) leaving the packing station will require an initial wholesale purchase price of around €2.07/kg ($2.43/kg).
French growers emphasize that upstream efficiency measures have reached their limit, making fair farmgate pricing essential to sustain orchard operations.
Retail partnerships and shift in consumer habits
A central goal for French producers this season is converting plums from an impulse buy into a planned purchase. Retail strategy will focus on dynamic shelf displays, four-color segmentation, and highlighting certified origins like PGI Mirabelle de Lorraine, Red Label Reine-Claude, and eco-responsible fruit.
Reinforcing this strategy, the French plum producers’ association announced a new partnership with French retail giant Coopérative U. Under the agreement, Coopérative U commits to sourcing 95% of its plums from France, with 80% originating from Ecoresponsible Orchards.
The French plum association currently represents 36 member operators and accounts for roughly 30,000 tons of fresh plum production—about 60% of France’s total crop
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