A smaller harvest in 2001 means that supplies of French apples are better aligned with demand at this mid-point in the season than they have been in previous years.

An estimated crop of around 2million tonnes, compared to 2.2million the previous two seasons, is presenting a more satisfactory marketing picture for growers. 'The market is more stable and stocks are more reasonable compared to last year,' says French national apple section manager Vincent Guérin. 'This has created a market situation of more stable, even firm, prices which is more satisfactory for growers. However, there will be less turnover because fewer apples were harvested and therefore less profit.' Almost every variety has slightly lower stock volumes at this point in the season compared to last year. The exceptions are Gala and Pink Lady. 'New plantings of these two are coming on stream and their market is developing so we would expect to have more stocks than in previous years,' explains Guérin.

Stocks of Granny Smith are also lighter than in previous years. 'The market for Granny is more dynamic this year and I think this season we have reached a balance: supply and demand have evened out,' said Guérin.

The stock situation on Golden Delicious, also declining in production in France in favour of newer varieties, is also 'balanced'. And the problems of excess Braeburn stocks encountered two seasons ago are unlikely to be repeated this year. 'Stocks are healthy,' said Guérin. 'But it is important to remember that the market for Braeburn is smaller than the Gala market, for example. It is more of a niche variety and therefore not as dynamic.' The UK market, the most important export destination for French apples, is still recovering market share lost two seasons ago when some consumers boycotted French fruit in protest at France's stance on UK beef.

Other export destinations such as the Middle and Far East and Latin America which have developed for the French in recent seasons are taking less fruit this year than last in line with the reduced French harvest.

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