South American exporters are capitalising on the shortage in European apple supply this season.
Argentina has enjoyed one of the strongest starts to the campaign in recent years, with high prices on the European market and the strengthening euro-dollar exchange rate lifting grower returns by between 20 and 50 per cent compared to last season, according to Carlos Ceballos of Informe Frutihortícola.
Meanwhile, trade data from Fresh4cast reveals a strong shift in Chilean apple shipments from North America to Europe.
Chilean exports registered a 33 per cent increase in value in the year to 15 June. During that period, shipments of Royal Gala to the European Union were up 55 per cent on last year, while Granny Smith and Fuji increased by 97 per cent and 115 per cent respectively.
