The Argentinean fresh apple and pear industry is gearing up for a 20-25 per cent increase in production this year, following one of the smallest crops on record in 2010.
According to Top Info Marketing (the country’s leading fresh produce analyst), fruit sizes will be bigger on average and harvesting will begin one to two weeks earlier than last season., which should give a boost to exports.
The apple crop is forecast to reach 1.06m tonnes, while pear volume is estimated at 717,000 tonnes, Top Info said.
Although suppliers are set to recover some of last year’s export shortfall, the analyst told Fruitnet.com that export opportunities could be limited.
“Exports will partially recover thanks to the production rebound, an earlier start to harvesting and more attractive marketing conditions in Europe and Russia in particular,” Top Info explained. “However, the rising internal costs in Argentina will limit export potential.”
In 2010, Argentina exported 404,000 tonnes of pears and 170,000 tonnes of apples, down 11 per cent and 15 per cent on 2009, according to figures from Senasa.
The export decrease last year was attributed to a smaller production volume, delays to harvesting, rising internal costs and unfavourable external markets.
Argentina mainly produces Williams, Packhams and D’Anjou pears, as well as Red Delicious, Granny Smith and Gala apples.
