Gerhard Dichgans, managing director of the Italian VOG Association, has advised the apple industry not to 'place too much trust' in the forecast presented at Prognosfruit that the European harvest should reach 10.2m tonnes this season.
Although talk about the apple-producing areas of eastern Europe and south Tyrol has been positive, Dichgans was quick to remind the sector that a number of frosts have compromised production in central and southeastern Europe.
Dichgans believes VOG's own best commercial opportunities lie in southern Europe this year, in contrast to last season when a very limited harvest in Germany encouraged importers into that market.
'In South Tyrol this year we will be better placed to meet demand in Mediterranean countries, given that we will have the right stocks, fruit sizes and varieties for these market.'
Speaking more generally, Dichgans advised that the 2011 season will see a return to more standard fruit sizes.
'Last season the export market was characterised by a supply of small-sized apples. This year we will be back to diameters of 70-80, sold predominantly in foodtainers and fruit nest trays, and less in bags. This situation should be common to all the production zones in Western Europe.'
