Apple size from South Africa is likely to be on the small side this year, according to importers. Harvesting is just starting for early varieties destined for the local market, but already growers and exporters are forecasting a normal volume year.
Martin Dunnett of Capespan UK said: “There was mixed weather over the Christmas period, but the rains were excellent for the fruit and the water levels have been good.”
The local market for South African fruit is strong this year, with stocks of last year’s crop virtually sold out. “The first Royal Gala will be available at the end of February or in early March, but we will certainly not be rushing to bring in the early fruit,” warned Dunnett. “With the situation in Europe, we will be looking at extended marketing periods this year. The techniques available now to store Royal Gala mean it can hold up well until August, with good taste and quality.”
Demand for South African fruit will be strong in the Far East too this year, as the Chinese Royal Gala crop is down in volume.
Capespan expects to send about one million cartons each of Golden Delicious and Granny Smith to the UK.
The Golden Delicious crop is reported to be very “clean”, according to another importer, although sizing will also be small due to the biennial bearing effect. “Granny Smith is rumoured to be a fairly large crop,” he said. “But sizing is also on the small side, so large fruit could be relatively short, and there could be some good retail opportunities for polybagging.”
