Amitom countries
AMITOM members discussed their first forecast for the 2025 season during their AGM on 17 January.
The total estimate for the region is currently very close to 2024 final production with a total of 17.15 million tonnes expected, but it is too early to have a precise estimate as discussions with farmers are ongoing.
Several countries including Spain, Greece, Bulgaria and Hungary are expecting a significant reduction in the volume processed, with smaller reductions also expected in Turkey and in Portugal where discussions with growers are complicated this year.
Other countries like Italy, Iran or France are on the contrary hoping for an increase after a reduced 2024 crop. In Italy the rise will mostly be in the North to compensate for the large reduction in 2024, while in the South, production may actually be lowered due to worries regarding water availability with the level of the Occhito dam currently worrying low. In Egypt, where the winter crop is currently at its peak and planting for the summer crop already starting, a significant increase in volume is expected.
WPTC countries in the Southern Hemisphere
Argentina
Some hails storms particularly in San Juan have affected the crop so the forecast is reduced to 560,000 tonnes (down from 580,000 tonnes). As of mid-January, about one-third of the crop has been harvested. Now the weather is dry and warm.
Australia
The current forecast is 202,000 tonnes with the harvest expected to start around Monday 27th January.
Planting took place as scheduled with few interruptions and all plants got away well. Mostly warm to hot conditions throughout the growing period with high humidity at times. Storms/rain mid-late November set back isolated areas due to water logging. Some soil health issues affecting isolated areas. A percentage of Blossom End Rot has appeared in many blocks in all areas which has been attributed to the hot, windy conditions on Boxing Day.
There is a generally good growth and fruit set, hopeful of achieving or maybe exceeding contracted tonnages.
Brazil
No data
Chile
The crop estimate remains 1,39 million tonnes, with a yield forecast of 100 t/ha. The weather is normal with fair temperatures and there are no problems with water availability. The harvest started on 16 January.
Peru
The forecast remains 150,000 tonnes.
South Africa
The forecast remains 160,000 tonnes.
