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13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines

by Yohanes Tri Santosa

 

13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines

 

13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines- According to FAO Statistics (FAOSTAT) Database, there are 13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of peaches and nectarines. These countries have a huge production of Peach fruits in 2024. Commonly, Peach (Prunus persica) is a deciduous tree belonging to the Rosaceae family and believed to have originated in China, although it was thought that peach is native to Persia (Hans., et al 2020). Functionally, many people still consume fruits because of the taste and nutritional substances that have a good impact on human health.


13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines



Taxonomically, based on Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), the peach can be classified into Order: Rosales; Family: Rosaceae; Genus: Prunus; Species: P. persica. In addition, in terms relationships with other crops or trees with the same family in Rosaceae family, peaches have close relationship with including various edible fruits, namely apples (Malus domestica), pears (Pyrus L.), quinces (Cydonia oblonga), raspberries, blackberries (Rubus subg. Rubus), strawberries (F. × ananassa), and almonds (Prunus dulcis).

 

World’s Harvested Areas, Productions, and Yields of Peaches and Nectarines From 1961 to 2024

 

Year

World's Area Harvested of Peaches Plants

World's Production of Peaches Fruits

Yield of Peaches

(Hectare (Ha))

(Tons (t))

(Tons/ Hectare (T/ha))

1961

548,348

5,167,280

9.42

1962

546,501

4,962,298

9.08

1963

553,785

5,458,947

9.86

1964

571,807

5,656,643

9.89

1965

592,630

5,816,086

9.81

1966

633,657

5,786,099

9.13

1967

640,465

5,656,211

8.83

1968

657,520

6,596,171

10.03

1969

640,527

6,128,484

9.57

1970

689,965

6,371,947

9.24

1971

729,475

6,847,857

9.39

1972

727,473

6,762,952

9.30

1973

731,919

6,925,233

9.46

1974

764,537

7,409,542

9.69

1975

744,988

6,542,169

8.78

1976

747,574

7,756,903

10.38

1977

750,101

6,829,498

9.10

1978

728,667

7,013,397

9.62

1979

666,307

7,081,054

10.63

1980

754,421

7,535,093

9.99

1981

755,383

7,706,940

10.20

1982

761,679

7,466,631

9.80

1983

789,792

7,724,929

9.78

1984

799,597

7,959,254

9.95

1985

996,304

7,752,494

7.78

1986

1,081,429

8,088,583

7.48

1987

1,127,963

8,137,914

7.21

1988

1,324,019

8,662,205

6.54

1989

1,455,681

9,135,853

6.28

1990

1,330,967

9,397,425

7.06

1991

1,343,191

9,464,950

7.05

1992

1,389,623

10,910,809

7.85

1993

1,390,995

10,874,281

7.82

1994

1,424,198

11,628,053

8.16

1995

1,381,116

10,923,493

7.91

1996

1,317,266

11,734,990

8.91

1997

1,259,606

11,144,266

8.85

1998

1,233,496

11,477,603

9.30

1999

1,280,257

13,310,080

10.40

2000

1,276,440

13,278,783

10.40

2001

1,246,382

13,880,381

11.14

2002

1,352,816

14,763,774

10.91

2003

1,433,897

15,361,302

10.71

2004

1,477,263

16,614,986

11.25

2005

1,493,722

17,941,686

12.01

2006

1,499,249

18,281,839

12.19

2007

1,521,025

19,394,767

12.75

2008

1,484,157

19,588,957

13.20

2009

1,507,230

20,239,458

13.43

2010

1,517,618

20,389,744

13.44

2011

1,525,849

21,074,944

13.81

2012

1,523,442

21,130,788

13.87

2013

1,542,922

21,642,162

14.03

2014

1,512,237

22,363,561

14.79

2015

1,611,933

23,759,742

14.74

2016

1,533,619

23,097,108

15.06

2017

1,513,913

23,977,171

15.84

2018

1,512,447

24,082,614

15.92

2019

1,515,680

24,797,116

16.36

2020

1,511,545

24,443,390

16.17

2021

1,535,295

25,230,756

16.43

2022

1,570,127

26,531,832

16.90

2023

1,574,324

27,177,692

17.26

2024

1,563,824

27,891,646

17.84

Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

 

Based on the FAOSTAT, the world’s production and harvested areas of peach fruits have increased gradually from time to time. In 1961, the world’s production of peaches was just 5.1 million tons with harvested areas around 548 thousand hectares (ha). Furthermore, after more than 60 years, exactly in 2024, the world’s production of peach has become 27.8 million tons with harvested areas around 1.5 million hectares (ha). Based on the productivity/ yield of peach, the yield of peach also increased from 9.42 tons / hectare in 1961, and it had become 17.84 tons/ hectare (t/ha) in 2024.

 

World’s Production of Peaches and Nectarines Based on Continent in 2024

 

Continent

Production Of Peaches Based on Continent in 2024

(Tons)

Africa

1,044,232

Americas

1,998,753

Asia

21,028,357

Europe

3,747,394

Oceania

72,909

Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

 

 

Specifically, based on the continental statistics, the production of peaches is concentrated in some regions. Asia still becomes the main production area with output of peaches reaching 21 million tons. Furthermore, the European region was in the second position of peach production that produced 3.7 million tons followed by Americans with production around 1.9 million tons. Meanwhile, Africa regions can produce only 1 million tons and Oceania with 72 thousand tons.


The Scientific Name of Peaches



Based on the country’s production, there are 13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines. Here is the rank of Peach Producers and All of this data was obtained from FAO Statistics (FAOSTAT).

 

The Rank of 13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines in 2024

 

Ranks

Country

Production of Peaches and Nectarines in 2024

(Tons)

1

China, mainland

17,600,000

2

Spain

1,376,900

3

Türkiye

1,179,041

4

Italy

1,092,160

5

Greece

773,390

6

United States of America

759,950

7

Iran (Islamic Republic of)

638,117

8

Chile

318,899

9

Morocco

276,624

10

Mexico

265,227

11

France

236,720

12

Uzbekistan

233,409

13

Egypt

227,034

Source: FAOSTAT, 2026

 

 

The Brief Descriptions of World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peach


The Brief Descriptions of 13 World’s Biggest Country Producers of Peach


 

1. China, mainland         

China still becomes the biggest country producer of peaches in 2024, accounting for approximately 60% of the world's peaches fruits production. According to FAO Statistical Corporate Database (FAOSTAT) in 2026, the production of peach in China reached 17,600,000 tons. Many scientific publications recognize China as the origin of the Peach. Geographically, in China, the main production and cultivation area of peach are concentrated in Shandong (Contributing more than 20% of national production), Hebei (contributing around 10-20% to national production), and other provinces including Shanxi, Henan, Hubei, and Shaanxi. Genetically, in China, there are several popular cultivars of peaches that are commonly planted and cultivated. These cultivars include Mitao, Feicheng Tao, Shenzhou Mitao, Shuimitao, and Yidou Mitao (Gileski., 2018). Based on climatic conditions in China, the peak harvesting season of peaches fruits occurs in the month of May to October.

 

2. Spain

Spain is the 2nd biggest country producer of peaches in 2024. Statistically, according to FAO Statistics, the production of peaches from Spain reached 1,376,900 tons. Geographically, in Spain, according to Statista, there are main growing areas of Peach in 2024. These regions include Murcia, Aragon, Catalonia, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, Andalusia, Region of Valencia, La Rioja, Navare. Based on production, Murcia has the biggest production than any other region with output around 200 thousand tons, followed by Aragon with production of around 174 thousand tons, and Catalonia with production of around 142 thousand tons.

Commonly, in Spain, the distribution of peach plant can be differentiated based on fruit type, including non-melting peaches around 41% of Spanish peach, followed by nectarines (33%), melting cultivars (24%), and platycarpa (flat) (2%) (Llacer et al., 2009). All these fruits’ types have some popular cultivars of peaches grown in Spain. Specifically, related to the non-melting peaches, some popular cultivars are Sudanell, Catherina, Babygold group, Miraflores, Andross, Carson, Tardíos de Calanda, Jerónimo, San Lorenzo and Campiel. In the melting-flesh types, some popular cultivars are Springcrest, Maycrest, Florida group, Royal Glory, Sunred and Spring Lady. Furthermore, some of the yellow-fleshed nectarines cultivars are Big Top, Fantasia and Fairlane and the white-fleshed nectarines cultivars are Snow Queen, Caldesi 2000, Flavor Giant and Caldesi. Lastly, the main cultivars of platycarpa are Sweet Cap, UFO 3, and UFO 4 (Llacer et al., 2009).

 

3. Türkiye           

Türkiye is the 3rd biggest country producer of Peach in 2024. Commonly, the production of peaches from Turkey reached 1,179,041 tons. Beside fulfilling domestic consumption, Türkiye also exports its peaches to other countries including Russia (the largest buyer), followed by the European Union (Germany and Romania), and Iraq. Geographically, in Türkiye, the principal areas of peace are in the provinces of Bursa (Marmara region) and Canakkale (Marmara region), Izmir (Aegean region), and Mersin (Mediterranean region). Genetically, based on the varieties, there are some popular varieties of peaches in Türkiye. These varieties include Early Amber, Spring Crest, May Crest, Red Haven, Cardinal, J.H. Hale and Early Red (Karabina., 2017).

 

4. Italy  

Italy is the 4th world’s biggest producer of peaches in 2024. According to FAO Statistics, the production of peaches from Italy reached 1,092,160 tons. Geographically, the cultivation of peaches can be found in some regions and cities in Italy. Specifically, in Italy, the main production region is located in Emilia-Romagna (northern Italy) and Campania (southern Italy), and both contribute 50% of Italy's national peaches production. Furthermore, some production areas can also be found in Piedmont, Basilicata, Sicily, and Calabria (Bassi & Foschi, 2013). Genetically, in Italy, there are some popular peaches. Some of the popular peaches include Pesca di Leonforte, Pescabivona, Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna, and Pesca di Verona. Based on the climatic condition in Italy, the Production of Peaches fruits reached its peak, particularly in the northern central regions like Emilia-Romagna and Veneto in the month of July to August.

 

5. Greece            

Greece is the 5th world’s biggest country producer of peaches in 2024. According to FAO Statistics, the production of peaches from Greece reached 773,390 tons. Furthermore, in the peaches industry, Greece still becomes one of the world’s largest exporters of canned peaches with distributing markets across Europe, North America, and beyond. Geographically, Peaches in Greece are located and cultivated mostly in Macedonia with main production areas in the cities of Pella, Imathia, and Kozani. Genetically, some of peaches that has popular in Greece are Free-stone peaches (Springtime, Spring crest, June gold, Dixired, Red haven), Nectarines (Arm king, May grand, Independence, Flavor top and Stark red gold), and Cling-stone peaches (Fortuna, Loadel, Vivian, Andross, Klampt, Halford and Everts) (Kukurjannis, 1985). Related to climatic conditions in Greece, the peak production of Peaches fruits usually occurs in the month of July to August.

 

6. United States of America        

The United States of America (USA) also has huge production of peaches in 2024. Overall, the production of peaches from the United States of America reached 759,950 tons. Based on the production area of peaches in the United States of America (USA), there are some states that have huge productions. California, South Carolina, New Jersey, Georgia, and Pennsylvania are some of the bigger states of huge production of peaches in the USA. Of all states above, California is the biggest state in the USA of peaches production, contributing around 50-70% of the U.S. total peaches fruit production. In terms of genetic aspects, there are some popular peaches grown in the USA including Elberta, Redhaven, Contender, O’Henry, Belle of Georgia, Donut (Saturn), Flameprince & Augustprince, and Indian Blood.

 

7. Iran (Islamic Republic of)        

Iran is the next country that have a huge production of peaches in 2024. Statistically, the production of peaches from Iran reached 638,117 tons. Geographically, in Iran, there are some regions of peach orchards. Kurdistan province, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Bakhtiari Province, Alborz province, and Mazandaran province are some of the main growing areas of peach in Iran. Genetically, there are some types / varieties of peaches that have been planted in Iran. These kinds of peaches include Red Haven, Elberta, and Early Grande.

 

8. Chile 

Chile is the 8th world’s biggest country producer of peaches and nectarines in 2024. Basically, the production of peaches from Chile reached 318,899 tons. Geographically, in Chile, some orchards of peaches can be found in some regions, namely O’Higgins, Maule and Ñuble regions, BioBio, Araucanía, Los Rios, and Los Lagos regions (Merchant et al., 2022). Genetically, some of the peaches grown in Chile are the Spring Flame series, August Lady, and September Flame. Related to climatic conditions in Chile, the harvesting time of peaches occurs from November through March, and it reaches peak production in January and February.

 

9. Morocco        

Morocco is the next biggest producer of peaches and nectarines in 2024. According to FAO Statistics, the production of peaches reached 276,624 tons. Geographically, the cultivation of peaches in Morocco primarily concentrated in the regions of Zagora, Ouarzazate, Errachidia, Gharb, Doukkala Abda, Souss-Massa, and the Oriental regions. In terms of genetic conditions, some of the peaches grown in Morocco are Summer Sweet, September Sun, Corondon, Opale, Summer Lady, Agath, Royal Time. Meanwhile some of Morocco's nectarine cultivars are Early Bomba, Honey, Cascade PL2, Zephyr Turquoise, Cristal (Erami et al., 2025).

 

11. France         

In the year 2024, the production of Peaches fruits from France reached 236,720 tons. Geographically, In France, some regions for peach growing area can be found in Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and the Rhône Valley. Genetically, some of the peach cultivars in France are Grosse Mignonne and Téton de Vénus.


12. Uzbekistan

Statistically, the production of peaches from Uzbekistan reached 233,409 tons in the year of 2024. In Uzbekistan, some growing regions of peach can be found in the Fergana Valley, Tashkent Region, Khorezm Region. In the genetic aspects, some cultivars of peach in Uzbekistan are Malinoviy, Muyassar, Hilola, Lola, and Injirniy. Related to Climatic conditions, the early harvesting time of peach occurs in the month of May to June with the peak production usually happening in the month of July to August.

 

13. Egypt

Egypt is the next biggest producer of peaches and nectarines in 2024. According to FAO Statistics, the production of peaches from Egypt reached 227,034 tons. Geographically, in Egypt, one of the peach orchards is in Sedy Salem District, Kafrelsheikh governorate. Genetically, some of the types of peach that is planted in Egypt are Florida Prince, Early Grand and Desert Red (Zayan et al., 2014).

 

The Table Rank of 13 World's Largest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines

 

The Table Rank of 13 World's Largest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines

 

  

The Histogram Rank of 10 World's Largest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines in 2024

 

The Histogram Rank of 10 World's Largest Country Producers of Peaches and Nectarines in 2024




 

 

Bibliography of 10 World’s Biggest Producers of Peaches and Nectarines in 2024

 

FAOSTAT. 2023. Production quantities of Peaches and nectarines by country. Accessed via https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL/visualize  on May 4th, 2023.

Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 2023.Prunus persica  (L.) Batsch Taxonomic Serial No.: 24765 Accessed via https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=24765#null on May 4th, 2023.

Hans, M., Shah, M.A., Bansal, R. (2020). Peach. In: Nayik, G.A., Gull, A. (eds) Antioxidants in Fruits: Properties and Health Benefits. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-7285-2_23.

Gileski, S. 2018. China – People's Republic of Stone Fruit Annual 2018. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Accessed via https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Stone%20Fruit%20Annual_Beijing_China%20-%20Peoples%20Republic%20of_6-29-2018.pdf  on May 4th, 2023.

Statista. 2023. Annual volume of peaches produced in Spain in 2021, by an autonomous community. Accessed via https://www.statista.com/statistics/743224/peach-production-volume-spain-by-region/ on May 4th, 2023.

Plantae. 2023.The peach in Spain, varieties, and care with sensors. Accessed via https://plantae.garden/en/the-peach-in-spain-varieties-and-cares/ on May 4th, 2023.

Tasteatlas. 2022. 4 Most Popular Italian Peaches. Accessed via https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-peaches-in-italy on May 4th, 2023.

Karabina, K. 2017. Turkey- Stone Fruit Annual. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. Accessed via https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/report/downloadreportbyfilename?filename=Stone%20Fruit%20Annual_Ankara_Turkey_8-15-2017.pdf  on May 4th, 2023.

Simon, M.R. 2019. You may not know the top 3, much less the rest. Here are the top peach states in the U.S. Accessed via https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/life/food/2019/03/28/top-ten-states-peaches-california-south-carolina-new-jersey-georgia/3276385002/  on May 4th, 2023.

Simon, M.R. 2019. You may not know the top 3, much less the rest. Here are the top peach states in the U.S. Accessed via https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/life/food/2019/03/28/top-ten-states-peaches-california-south-carolina-new-jersey-georgia/3276385002/  on May 4th, 2023.

Kukurjannis, V.a.s. C.h. (1985). Peach Production in Greece. Acta Hortic. 173, 441-444 DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.1985.173.50 https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1985.173.50

Marchant L, Campos J, Luco J, Ramirez C, Barrientos F, Carrasco B and Silva H (2022) Potential of traditional Chilean blood-fleshed peach to support livelihood opportunities in local agriculture. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 6:820811. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.820811.

Zayan, M.A. S. M. Zeerban, G. B. Mikhael and H. M. Abo Ogiela. (2014). ‘Evaluation of Three Peach Cultivars (Prunus persica L.) Grown in Egypt under North Delta Conditions,’ Egyptian Journal of Horticulture, 42(Issue 1 The 2nd International Conference on Horticultural Crops, 15-18 March (ICHC- Egypt 2015)), pp. 17-36. doi: 10.21608/ejoh.2014.1065.

 

Llacer, G., Alonso, J.M., Rubio-Cabetas, M.J., Batlle, I., Iglesias, I., Vargas, F.J., García-Brunton, J. and Bardenes, M.L., 2009. Peach industry in Spain. Journal of the American Pomological Society, 63(3), p.128.

Bassi, D., & Foschi, S. (2013). Trends in apricot and peach industries in Italy.

Erami, M., Kodad, O., Boukhriss, H.E., Hajjioui, H., Outghouliast, H., Charafi, J., Ainane, T., Cherroud, S. and El Yaacoubi, A., 2025. Estimation of chill and heat requirements of Peach and nectarine cultivars under mild Climatic conditions in Morocco. International Journal of Biometeorology, 69(12), pp.3641-3658.