The ripening of climacteric fruits, such as peach, is a complex process regulated by internal signals and external stimuli. Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) irradiation has been shown to delay fruit ripening, yet the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain poorly understood. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of ERF1A supported its crucial role in UV-C-mediated ripening delay, as evidenced by changes in ethylene production, ripening-associated metabolites, fruit softening and the fluorescent immunolocalization of cell wall matrix components, particularly arabinogalactan, pectin and xyloglucan epitopes. Levels of auxin and salicylic acid were increased while abscisic acid was reduced in ERF1A silencing peels. Suppression of ERF1A altered the biosynthesis of peel-derived volatile compounds. Proteomic analysis identified several ERF1A-target genes and highlighted that the UV-C delayed ripening could be reversed by ERF1A silencing. Evidence is also presented supporting that PpCXE11, PpCXE13 and PpSABP2 are target of ERF1A transcription. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms driving UV-C-induced ripening delay in peach and underscore the central role of ERF1A in modulating this process.