Gala exports from Brazil could be down by as much as 40 to 50 per cent due to drought and hail storms, a leading exporter has warned.
Renar Maçãs, based in Fraiburgo, in Santa Catarina, also has production in São Joaquim and Vacaria, which have been affected by hail and a prolonged period of drought. “It has made the fruit sizes small and reduced production,” said the company’s Junior Verno Bierhals. “Fraiburgo, however has had a normal season for Gala, although Fuji production may be slightly down.”
A 13 per cent decline in Brazil’s production is forecast, but with such a strong domestic market, the decline in exports is likely to be disproportionately high.
While Brazil suffers with lower availability, Chilean production is up by an estimated 15 per cent, Argentinean supplies have also risen on last season, and European stock levels are low.
“Taking everything together, we expect a positive season,” said Verno Bierhals, “especially from this month onwards when all the heavy arrivals of Gala from other southern hemisphere sources into Europe will already be done. We expect a significant increase in prices against last year.”
The season should see a good balance of Gala sizes, with fruit from New Zealand on the large side and South Africa, as well as Brazil, with smaller fruit. Chile’s size profile is more or less in line with recent averages.
Meanwhile, as the South African Golden Delicious season gets under way, receivers expect a buoyant campaign.
European stocks of this variety are also low and volumes from the Cape are likely to be down due to problems with drought and sunburn. Golden Delicious is therefore unlikely to fall victim to the same price promotion activity among warring multiples that Gala is experiencing this season.
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