W2 Apple Update: Ukrainian Apple Prices Hit a Five-Year High, Argentina Faces Weather Challenges, and New Zealand Achieves Record 2023 Apple Harvest

Ukraine's Apple Prices Hit Five-Year High Amid Limited Supply

In Ukraine, apple prices have surged to a five-year high, reaching USD 0.37 to 0.58 per kilogram (kg), a 30% year-on-year (YoY) increase from the beginning of Jan-24. The market attributes the rise to heightened trading and purchasing activities. Ukrainian apples are now 50% more expensive than in the same period last year, setting new records for the past five seasons. A limited supply of high-quality apples contributes to the price hike, as many offerings come from products with declining quality due to prolonged storage. Despite the current increase, prices in Ukraine remain among the lowest in the region, with the potential for further rises. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts a minimal 0.002% increase in global apple production for the 2023/24 season, reaching 83.1 million metric tons (mmt).

Severe Storms Hit Argentina, Posing Threat to Apple Crops

In Argentina, severe weather conditions with hail storms and heavy rain raise concerns for pear and apple crops. The affected regions, including Roca and Villa Regina, are undergoing inspections to evaluate the extent of orchard damage. Fears persist about significant harm to pears and apples due to the storm's intensity, with the fruit already at a considerable size. The impact on production and potential supply chain disruptions will be more apparent once the assessments are complete.

New Zealand Apple Producer Sets Record with 1.6 Million Cartons in Stellar 2023 Season, and Expecting Another Exceptional Apple Season for 2024

A prominent New Zealand apple producer, Golden Bay Fruit, has achieved a record-breaking 2023 apple season, surpassing 1.6 million cartons of apples. The success is attributed to strategic plantings of intellectual property (IP) varieties like Sassy™, Cherish™, Miranda™, and Dazzle™. The company is expecting another exceptional season, with new varieties maturing and favorable growing conditions. It features increased volumes of intellectual property (IP) varieties, including the newly launched Posh™. Cherish™ continues to thrive globally, especially in China, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom, while Sassy™ is expanding its presence with trial plantings in various countries.