Lower day and night temperatures in October and November have adversely affected stonefruit ripening and peach and nectarine sizing in the Western Cape, according to Capespan technical advisor Michiel Bester.
As a result, the season start is even later than expected.
But the quality of the peach crop looks good and small Early Grand volumes will be packed from week 45. Apricots also seem promising, with the first Supergold to be harvested in week 46.
Plum crop prospects are improving week by week, said Bester. “The only cultivar with a poorer crop currently is Southern Belle. Purple Majesty, Lady Red, Souvenir and Angeleno vary between orchards and areas, whereas we have high hopes for Pioneer, Sapphire, Sunkiss and Ruby Nel. And so far, the Laetitia and Songold crops appear to be fine.”
Niel Hugo, Capespan regional manager for stonefruit and grapes, foresees a challenging season in the market. “Production and packaging costs have increased by up to 35 per cent since last season,” he said. “Into the bargain, the financial crisis in our most important trading markets will influence demand and price structures.” During the past few weeks, European and UK retailers have not been that aggressive in programme commitments, he said. Some buyers even lowered initial demand at quite a late stage because of slower sales for more expensive southern hemisphere fruit.
“The strengthening of the UK discount sector also is of big concern,” Hugo said. “Retailers are making every possible plan to keep their customers, by driving prices down and offering value lines to compete with discounters.”
Becoming more upbeat, he said the weakening rand against the major trading currencies would benefit growers. “Despite anticipating an uphill marketing season, Capespan Exports is well positioned for a successful stonefruit season with a balanced global market distribution, backed by superior customers and fruit programmes,” Bester added.
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