In W22 in the apple landscape, Brazilian exports of fresh apples increased in April 2023 but did not exceed the volume of the same month in 2022. In May 2023, an increase of export of apples is expected due to more supply in the 2022/23 harvest. The total export volume reached 23KT due to producers and classifiers storing the fruits for the upcoming semester. Brazil's primary destinations for apple exports were India, Bangladesh, and the UAE, with India accounting for 50.8%, Bangladesh 24%, and the UAE 8.2%. Poland has exported apples to 73 nations since the beginning of this season, reaching over half of the world's population. Polish apple exports are geographically diversifying, going to an increasing number of nations, including tropical and far-off countries. This 2023 season, Poland exported to all continents except Australia, with exports to distant markets growing, but to Germany and Romania. The apple market in the Netherlands was volatile due to sales markets closing, overlapping import season, large volume, storage quality challenges, hail batch depressing prices, and club varieties seeing growth in export markets. Apple sales have significantly impacted European agriculture, causing an increase in apple orchards, employment opportunities, and enterprises. With more apple trees grown and sustainable farming methods, it has a positive effect on the environment. In Italy, the South Tyrolean apple industry is preparing for the final phase of the 2022/23 season due to less production and weaker qualities. Gala was exported significantly less in 2023 due to the Egyptian government's restrictions on imports and exports. The Ukrainian market is experiencing an increase in apple imports due to a good apple harvest in 2022. Currently, wholesale prices for apples in Ukraine are 149% higher than during the same period in 2022 due to an increase in medium and high-quality products.
It was reported that in 2022, Bhutan harvested 2,223T apples, with Paro and Thimphu harvesting more. The decrease was due to a reduction in bearing trees, with Thimphu alone accounting for 9,231. However, the number of apple growers increased from 5,262 households to 7,390 households. In India, the hail storm in Kashmir caused extensive damage to apple orchards, endangering the livelihoods of countless farmers and workers. Kashmir is the country's largest apple producer, producing 20 lakh MT of apples per year. In 2023, intermittent rainfall and low temperatures had already affected the pollination of apple orchards, causing concerns about a decline in production during harvesting season. The moderate climate and suitable soil conditions contribute to the success of horticulture in Kashmir. The apple production season in the northern hemisphere has started, but many areas faced challenges due to increasing labor and production costs. SPM Biosciences (Beijing) Inc has introduced its ANGEL FRESH products for apple storage and preservation, and exporters are optimistic about the new season. 1-MCP is an efficient post-harvest preservation product for apples, which can prolong storage time, avoid dehydration, reduce hardness, and poor taste, and extend shelf life. It is widely used in major apple-producing areas. Apple prices in South Korea are experiencing a significant surge, driven by decreased storage levels and reduced availability of alternative fruits like oranges and melons. At Garak Market in Seoul, 'Fuji' apples were traded for USD 42.62/10kg box (KRW 55,302/10kg box), marking a substantial increase of 60.0% compared to 2022. The sharp decrease in apple storage this 2023 was the reason for the strong performance. In 2022, apple production in South Korea was around 528KT, with storage amounts of 284KT, resulting in rapid consumption of the apple supply. Additionally, low-temperature damage in California and reduced domestic imports of oranges have contributed to the higher apple prices.
A fruit specialist estimates a 30% drop in apple production across Massachusetts, US, with western Massachusetts harder hit. Vermont growers have lost 100% of their crops. The brand "EnvyTM" apples are growing in popularity, with a 19% increase in sales and a 28% increase in volume over the last 52-week period. It is now the 8th most popular apple in the US, making up nearly a quarter of branded, high-flavor apple sales volume. Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, praises the apple's delicate flavor, crisp, slow-to-brown flesh, longevity, and social media presence.
