Sales of English apples could grow by a further 50 per cent on the back of recent strong support for the industry by the multiples.
That prediction came from Adrian Barlow, CEO of English Apples & Pears (EAP), who was speaking after it was revealed volume sales of English apples have risen six per cent this year.
As the season nears its close supermarkets have sold 79,139 tonnes of the domestic crop, up from 74,634t at the same stage last year, EAP figures show. Gala sales are up a sizeable 18.5 per cent, with Cox rising 1.6 per cent.
Other dessert apples such as Jazz, Kanzi, Cameo and Rubens together recorded a 3.7 per cent increase in volume sales, though Braeburn volumes fell 5.3 per cent as a result of a smaller crop size, with Barlow warning growers must be careful not to overproduce the variety.
“These sales figures indicate the potential for further import replacement,” said Barlow. “I believe we can produce a great deal more. There’s been lots of support from the multiples, who are looking at opportunities for next season. We can increase sales by 50 per cent [in future], but it must be of the right varieties.”
Barlow, who pointed out that in general returns were better than last year, said growers needed to produce 10 per cent less Cox in order not to be selling at poor prices, but predicted great potential to increase Gala sales in the foodservice, catering and public procurement arenas.
“I do expect new variety trials to continue,” he added. “We will see some new early season varieties as well as mid and late season apples. These combine outstanding appearance with very good juice levels and taste.”
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