Sales of English apples have soared by 21 per cent year on year on the back of new plantings and investment.
In the first half of the season 21 and 40 per cent increases in production of English Gala and Braeburn respectively helped push sales up 21 per cent overall against the same period last year, English Apples & Pears (EAP) figures show. There was also a significant increase in newer varieties Cameo, Kanzi, Jazz, Rubens, Junami and Zari.
The “terrific” performance reflected growers’ investment in new orchards and varieties that provided clean skin finish and excellent taste and texture, said EAP chief executive Adrian Barlow. “The trend is set to continue because of these new orchards. There’s been considerable investment in new packhouses and coldstores. But of course one needs the market and it’s a tribute to the support from the multiples that we’ve been able to achieve such a terrific performance.”
The figures come in what has been the earliest English apple season on record, which has led to the highest-ever volumes of Braeburn being sold before Christmas. Some 2,000 tonnes had been sold by December following the early start on 10 November.
The first week back in January also saw the largest volume of English apples sold in a single week this season.
“The industry is in a very healthy situation in terms of the relationship between stock and demand, and we expect the season to continue to be very good in volume sales,” he added.
Barlow also gave an update on the secondary launch of the season in January, reporting that widespread local and national radio coverage was achieved, as well as a BBC TV news feature.
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