W23: Apple Update

In W23 in the apple landscape, it was reported that the European apple stocks were 17.4% lower in May 2023 than in 2022, with the apple stock decreasing by 17.4% to 1.3 million tons and in the US, apple stocks were 766.7 thousand tons. The European apple stock decreased due to smaller stocks of Golden Delicious, Idared, Jonagold, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, Cripps Pink, Red Jonaprince, Conference varieties, and Alexandrina. The supply of Fuji apples in the US increased by 14.9% YoY, while Gala apples saw a significant increase of 36.5% YoY. However, there was a decrease in the supply of Golden Delicious by 15.6% and Granny Smith by 38.6%. The manager of Genesis Fresh, a Polish apple distributor, anticipates a decrease in this year's apple harvest compared to 2022, particularly for Jonagold, Golden Delicious, and Royal Gala varieties. Orders for the upcoming harvest are already being received from different continents, and export volumes are on the rise. The volume and quality of the fruits will be significantly influenced by weather conditions, humidity, and temperature.

The selling prices for apples in Ukrainian markets have reached a record high in the country's history. It is mainly due to a limited supply of apples and seasonal fruits and berries, as well as the occupation of certain regions. In W23, the selling prices for apples have increased significantly to USD 0.68-1.01/kg, which is 1.6 times higher on average compared to the previous week. The availability of high-quality apples has drastically decreased in recent weeks, leading to price hikes by producers who still have remaining stocks. Over the course of the year, the average price of an apple in Ukraine has risen by 3.6 times. There are no indications of price reductions in this segment, as new crop apples will not be available in the Ukrainian market until mid-July.

Vietnam is the biggest importer of New Zealand apple among Southeast Asian countries, spending USD 84.7 million in 2022. New Zealand is Vietnam's fourth largest exporter of fruits and vegetables, with a market share of 7%. Two-way trade between the nations is expected to reach USD 2 billion in 2024. The New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam has reported that Vietnamese people love New Zealand's apples and kiwis, leading to an increase in fruit export turnover to Vietnam. In 2022, Vietnam imported New Zealand's fruit worth more than USD 110,626 (VND 2,600 billion), with apples accounting for 78% of the proportion. Biovegi Vietnam Joint Stock Company is the largest apple importer from New Zealand in Vietnam, with apple prices ranging from USD 3.40-10.64/kg (VND 80K-250K/kg). New Zealand is also promoting the export of food and food products.