The 2013 Brazilian apple crop will definitely be smaller than last year despite early forecasts of a bumper production season, following a severe frost during the first half of blooming.
Volume will fall by at least 10 per cent, according to the Brazilian Apple Producers Association (ABPM), and sizes are smaller than average.
“It’s going to be difficult to reach to the 120,000-tonne forecast we released in January,” ABPM’s Pierre Pérès told Americafruit, Asiafruit and Eurofruit.
“A lot of fruit will go to Asia, which has shown a great interest in the smaller apples. The other markets, except the UK, will be more difficult.Volume for Europe will be concentrated to the UK and Scandinavian countries.”
With the exchange rate not looking favourable as in 2012 and fruit sizes smaller this year, Pérès said it is possible that exports will decline in comparison to last year, and fall well below the original estimate.
Meanwhile, Pérès explained that consumption remains strong in Brazil and demand for apples is very good, meaning the local market will compete with the export trade.
The 2013 crop comprises roughly 57 per cent of Royal Gala apples, 35 per cent of Fujis and 8 per cent of other varieties.
In 2012, Brazil’s apple exports jumped 48.3 per cent to 72,100 tonnes, according to Secex-Ibraf, following a favourable change in the dollar-Brazilian real exchange rate.
Although the sizes are smaller this year, Pérès noted that the size reduction has contributed to an “outstanding” level of quality, with “very good” pressure, “fabulous” taste and “fine” colour.
