Calanda Peach raises its sugar requirement to eleven degrees Brix

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Food of the Government of Aragon has approved the modification of the specifications for the protected designation of origin (PDO) Melocotón de Calanda (Calanda Peach), which raises the quality standard required of producers by setting an average sugar content of at least 11 ºBrix. The decision is detailed in Order AGA/1268/2026, of August 18, published in the Official Gazette of Aragon number 169, of September 1, 2026, in section III of Other Provisions and Agreements (official reference BOA20260901012).

The modification was requested on May 19, 2026, by the Regulatory Council of the PDO, under article 24 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1143 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of April 11, 2024, on geographical indications for agricultural products. The specifications previously in force were those incorporating the modifications approved by Order AGA/1459/2025, of October 21.

A more demanding sweetness standard

The change affects only the sugar content of the fruit, a key parameter for the quality and flavor of the late Calanda peach. With the new wording, the required average value will be ≥ 11 ºBrix, and values lower than 10 ºBrix will not be admitted for the calculation.

• Required average sugar content: ≥ 11 ºBrix.
• Values not admitted for calculation: < 10 ºBrix.
• Scope of application: specifications of the PDO Melocotón de Calanda.

Processing and opposition procedure

Following the request, the General Directorate of Innovation and Food Promotion issued a resolution on June 1, 2026, publicizing the request and initiating the national opposition procedure, with a two-month period for any natural or legal person with legitimate interests to submit a reasoned statement. This resolution was published in the Official Gazette of Aragon number 111, of June 12, 2026, and in the Official State Gazette number 146, of June 16, 2026.

Since no opposition statements were received, and in accordance with article 4 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/27, the standard modification of the specifications has been approved. The order will be forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for communication to the European Commission, pursuant to article 5.1 of the aforementioned delegated regulation and article 9.2 of Royal Decree 189/2026, of March 11.

Entry into force and appeals

The modification shall be applicable in Spain from the day of its publication in the Official Gazette of Aragon, and in the territory of the European Union from the date on which the European Commission makes public the communication of the standard modification. The consolidated specifications and single document can be consulted on the department’s official website.

Against this order, which exhausts the administrative route, an appeal for reversal may be filed before the same body within one month, or a contentious-administrative appeal before the High Court of Justice of Aragon within two months. The order is signed by the Councilor for Agriculture, Livestock, and Food, Aránzazu Simón Pérez.

The raising of the sugar threshold reinforces the positioning of the Calanda Peach as a high-quality product in the market, while requiring Aragonese producers to guarantee a higher degree of maturity and sweetness in each fruit protected by the designation, a differentiating factor compared to other varieties.

Source: Official Gazette of Aragon, number 169, September 1, 2026, section III. Other Provisions and Agreements (official reference: BOA20260901012).