Argentina has exported fewer apples and pears this season, but prices have improved, the latest report from the US department of agriculture shows.
The apple crop in 2006 was down 15 per cent on the previous year as hail damage in February took its toll and also Gala and Granny Smith crops in the Rio Negro and Neuquen Valley partially failed. Average prices rose five per cent as a result.
But as the season closes, final figures are expected to show a 10 per cent increase in the pear harvest, although as sizes were small this year, export quality was affected.
More than 95 per cent of pear exports are to the EU, Russian Federation, Brazilian and US markets and senders learnt a lesson after the 2005 season when an oversupply of the EU and Russian markets caused them financial problems. Consequently, sendings to these markets declined in 2006.
The USDA report found that on the whole, exporters are more pleased with the outcome of the 2006 season than they were with that of 2005. Shipments were more co-ordinated and only the best fruit, matched to the right markets, was shipped ensuring better prices all round.
Organic top fruit enjoyed unprecedented success in Europe this year, due to a lack of supply from elsewhere, achieving a 40 per cent premium over conventional fruit, up from the average 20 per cent.
The US is also showing more interest in the high-value fruit leaving producers and exporters optimistic for next year.
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