European apple output is forecast to plummet to one of the lowest levels in a decade, forcing prices higher in what will be a make or break year for many EU growers.
Figures released at the Prognosfruit conference in Kiev last week by the World Apple & Pear Association forecast an apple crop 11 per cent down on last season, and seven per cent below the three-year average.
Braeburn output throughout the 27 member states is expected to fall by 14 per cent on last year, Gala by seven per cent, Golden Delicious by eight per cent, Granny Smith by seven per cent, Cox by 10 per cent and Cripps Pink by three per cent.
EU stocks of the 2009 crop are all but gone and southern hemisphere output is winding up in a timely fashion.
“There are reasons for optimism here and our expectations are for better prices this coming year,” one UK category manager told freshinfo. “When you look back over the last couple of years, it doesn’t matter which variety you are talking about or which market, the returns have simply not been adequate.”
In France, growers have been grubbing their trees and leaving the sector. “These last two years average prices have either just about reached the cost of production or fallen below it,” said Florence Rossillion, director general of French apple and pear growers association, ANPP. “Producers are in a very delicate situation across all varieties and all regions of France. We want retailers to realise that they cannot just sell at any price. It is vital now for growers to get a return that they can live off.”
The main reason for the decline this year is inclement weather around the bloom period and a dry summer. Sizes are smaller by as much as five to seven per cent.
Adrian Barlow of English Apples & Pears was in Kiev to present the UK figures. “If you look at overall production, there will be a balance between demand and supply this season,” he said. “All the indications suggest that summer pricing - which is strong - is likely to continue.”
