Apple production in Brazil could apparently fall further than anticipated following a surprise frost and snowfall in growing area of Santa Caterina.
It remains too early to fully assess the impact of the damage although some fruit has been badly burnt, explained Brazilian Apple Producers Association (ABPM) president, Pierre Pérès, according to a report by Fresh Fruit Portal.
Pérès said the lower orchards in São Joaquim have been most affected by the frost.
Before the coldsnap, Brazilian apple production was already on course to contract in 2012, according to a report from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA said the crop is set to decline by 3 per cent, following “big production losses” due to bad weather conditions and a reduction in planted area.
Overall, however, the agency said the crop is considered to be better this year in terms of quality and colour.
Last year, Brazil produced 1.24m tonnes of apples, according to the USDA.
In other categories, the USDA expects Brazilian pear and table grape production volume will rise slightly in 2012.
