The company, the largest exporter from South Africa, reports a difficult start to the campaign with some early pear varieties experiencing cold at blossom and even hail. Blush types Rosemarie and Flamingo were hardest hit and so volumes are down, but quality of fruit coming onto the marketplace is high.

The season for other varieties handled by Capespan is expected to be in line with a normal year: Williams is experiencing a return to form on the fresh market following recent years of low volumes given high demand from the canning industry. Normal crops of Beurre Bosc, Comice and Hardy are all forecast too and Packhams is also likely to be available in volumes corresponding to recent seasons' averages.

Looking ahead, Capespan is hopeful of a strong market for its Granny Smith. 'Stocks in Europe look like they are slightly down on last year, particularly on Granny Smith so from our perspective that is positive and at this stage the crop looks good,' said Capespan's Rod Hill. 'Apple producers are happy with quality and size but there is still a long way to go until Granny starts in week 12 or 13.'

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