The apple harvest in south-east France started without a hitch during the first week in August, reports Blue Whale, a leading exporter.
Exports to the Middle East got underway immediately (week 31).
Picking of the south-west apple crop began during the week commencing 7 August, with first-of-the-season shipments to Asia beginning the following week.
“Weather conditions have been good in south-west France and the Loire Valley – our main growing areas for Gala, which is the first variety to be picked,” says Marc Peyres, Blue Whale export director, speaking on 15 August.
“Over the last ten days we have had cool nights and nice weather during the day.”
This year’s Prognosfruit, Europe’s annual event for the apple and pear industry, confirmed that the 2017 European crop will be the smallest in ten years, which will give this season a unique flavour, adds Peyres.
“Demand will definitely be much greater than availability,” he says. “We have been fortunate in France, like Spain and Portugal, to be one of only three countries in Europe not affected by the spring frost [which damaged European apple yields]. The French crop is close to normal.
“After a slow start – we are asking for higher prices – we should have a very strong market from early September, when summerfruit will be out of market and apples will be the main fruit on shelves.”
