Rich apricot harvest in Moldova: up to 17,000 tons of high-quality fruits for export

Farmers of Moldova are recording a higher production of apricots and peaches this season against the last year, and the harvested fruit stands out through commercial parameters suitable for export. Thus, data from the Moldova Fruct Association shows that the total apricot production is estimated at 15–17 thousand tons, a volume comparable to the recorded in 2024.

According to the cited source, these results are due in part to the experience accumulated in recent seasons, which has led more and more producers to strengthen orchard protection by investing in anti-frost technologies, anti-hail nets, irrigation systems and modern plant protection solutions.

As a result, producers have got fruits valued for their size, color, firmness and sugar content, so that the crop falls into the higher commercial categories, and the production is already prepared for delivery to foreign markets.

For the Kyoto variety, fruit sizes exceed 40 millimeters, while for Lady Cot they reach over 50 millimeters. These results are supported by irrigation, fertilization, plant protection, fruit thinning and compliance with production technologies.

In recent years, investments in post-harvest infrastructure have increased, and more and more companies are purchasing sorting lines, pre-cooling installations and refrigeration equipment. These investments make it possible to preserve fruit quality and prepare uniform lots adapted to buyers’ requirements. At the same time, the development of regional sorting centers facilitates the consolidation of production from multiple producers.

More and more companies are implementing standards, such as IFS Food, GlobalG.A.P., GRASP and SMETA; certifications that confirm compliance with requirements regarding logistics, food safety, traceability and working conditions, and also facilitate access for Moldovan fruits to foreign markets.

In the previous season, Romania was the main sales market for Moldovan apricots, followed by Ukraine and Serbia. Deliveries to Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Latvia, Croatia and Hungary also indicate the expanding presence of Moldovan producers on the European Union market.