European Community Persimmons were introduced into Europe in the mid-19th century and are currently produced in the south of France, Spain and Italy. Italy is the major producer, with 70,000 t being produced from 3,405 ha in 1987. Spain is reported as producing 500 t annually. Although present production is based on astringent cultivars, significant new plantings of non-astringent cultivars are occurring. The harvest season extends from September to November.
Most production is consumed domestically.
The European Community imports most of it's requirements from Israel, with lesser quantities from Brazil and Chile. The production of persimmons has increased from less than 500 t in 1980 to over 4,000 t in 1988. The area planted in 1988 exceeded 600 ha, most of which was in California. The recent expansion of American production has been based on non-astringent cultivars, in particular Fuyu. Harvesting extends from early October to mid December.