In W43 in the apple landscape, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) has revised its annual forecast for the apple harvest in the European Union (EU). It predicts a 4% decrease compared with the initial estimate, resulting in a total harvest of just under 11 million metric tons (mmt). The downward adjustment is mainly attributed to the adverse effects of climate change in the weeks following the initial estimate. The occurrence of droughts, floods, hailstorms, warm nights, and increased pest risks negatively impacted the crop yield. However, certain regions experienced favorable conditions, such as rainfall and cold nights, which positively influenced the size and color of the fruits.
Chile exported 446,000 metric tons（mt) of apples from Jan-23 to Sep-23 resulting in a 18.3% year-on-year (YoY) decrease. The estimated export value is USD 461.7 million, making apples Chile’s third largest fresh fruits export during this period, after cherries and table grapes. The United States (US) was the top destination, receiving 14.7% of the total value. Colombia followed closely with 13%, while Brazil and Ecuador accounted for 9.7% and 6.8% respectively.
Poland’s apple harvest in 2023 is estimated to be between 3.9 mmt and 4.0 mmt, a 7% YoY decrease. However, fruit growers anticipate an even lower harvest as they believe the primary apple producing regions have experienced a significant reduction in production, which exceeds the official data. As a result of tight supply, prices of dessert apples have surged by 55-70% compared to the previous year. Additionally, with the increased cost of raw materials, Poland's concentrated apple juice may face reduced competitiveness in the export market. On the other hand, pears seem to be gaining popularity due to the price surge of dessert apples.
The sale of Italian mountain apples is progressing smoothly, despite the recent arrival of the Renetta variety. The prices are slightly higher than they were a year ago, but this has not affected sales. In the coming days, the quantities of apples are expected to increase, which will help establish the price level for the entire market. Moreover, the quantities of Annurca apples from Campania are also increasing.
Apple carriers at the Ukrainian border have to wait in general queues, which can take more than a week, causing the apples to spoil due to weather conditions and long waiting periods. The Ukrsadprom Association has requested the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food to include apples in the list of products with a limited shelf life and to make necessary changes to the system of transporting Ukrainian horticultural products through EU checkpoints. If successful, this would reduce the transport time of Ukrainian apples to EU markets, increasing their quality, shelf life and longevity.