The South African apple crop is about 10 per cent lighter in volume this year with sizes larger than usual.

Capespan’s Martin Dunnett explained that a cold snap before Christmas is making its influence felt. “The cold in December caused fruit to drop so sizes of apples left on the trees are bigger,” said Dunnett. “South Africa in the past has tended to have a lot of small fruit but this year’s size profile is good especially as retailers tend to demarcate loose and pre-pack sizes now.”

Reports from Capespan growers are that the crop looks good on the trees and running slightly later than usual. “This is a good sign for eating quality,” added Dunnett.

The season will kick off with Gala, which will be on the UK market in the second week of March. “Brazil usually beats us by about a week, but it may be nearer two weeks this year,” said Dunnett.

Growers and exporters in South Africa are likely to look extremely carefully at the marketing window for Braeburn this year, especially given the considerable volumes still in store in Europe. “Last year a good window opened for us between France and New Zealand, which was late,” said Dunnett.

“Overall the South African context looks good this year, but it really depends what sort of a market the southern hemisphere inherits from Europe. It will need a lot of promotion to clear the European stocks. There is also concern with regard to freight rates increasing and therefore the potential viability of shipments,” he warned.

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