Europe may be facing its lowest apple crop in 25 years after three waves of frost gripped the continent between April and May, but French grower-shipper Blue Whale’s zeal for the forthcoming export season remains steadfast.
Speaking to Fruitnet some five weeks before the group’s Royal Gala harvest was due to start, Blue Whale’s export director Marc Peyres said the 2017 European deal would undoubtedly be distinctive, “but then so is every year!”
“I remember when I started in the industry in 1991 – already such a long time ago – and we lost 80 per cent of the crop in south-west France,” he said.
“2017 will be different, because the world market has changed, the varietal range has changed. But Europe definitely won’t have enough apples compare with the average season.”
Compared to other countries – Poland, for example, has lost 60-70 per cent of its yields to frost damage; Slovenia is so badly affected that exporters don’t wish to comment; and Italy estimates its crop is down by 20-25 per cent – France has escaped relatively unscathed.
Although an agricultural disaster was declared across France in late April after temperatures plunged below -7C in some parts of the country, nationally the crop is expected to be only 10-15 per cent down on last year, with southern regions even less affected.
Use of protection systems, such as heaters, anti-freezing towers and water sprinklers, succeeded in limiting crop damage in some areas.
“So far we are lucky with a good crop to offer to our customers,” said Peyres. “But a lot can happen between now and the end of our season, while the fruit still hangs on the trees. We harvest Pink Lady five months from now – that’s still a long way to go.”
“The coming season will definitely be a very special one, but every year over the last 25 have been different,” says Peyres. “That is why we are still here with passion and enthusiasm.”
