In W29 in the apple landscape, the total apple harvest in the Netherlands in 2023 is anticipated to decline by approximately 12% due to reduced acreage and lower production, with an estimated crop of 207 million kg of apples. Specifically, the Elstar variety, the most widely grown apple in the country, is expected to harvest 82 million kg, representing an 8% YoY reduction. It's worth noting that the area of apple cultivation in the Netherlands has been decreasing over the years. In Ukraine, the first apples are now available in Transcarpathia markets at prices ranging from USD 0.5-0.6/kg (UAH 20-25/kg), while imported apples stood around USD 1.08-1.35/kg (UAH 40-50/kg) in 2022. Summer apples are sold at USD 0.81-0.95/kg (UAH 30-35/kg) in Ukrainian supermarkets, 2.5 times higher year-on-year (YoY).
Meanwhile, the Interagro Group of Companies reported to TASS that Russia’s production of pome crops, including apples, pears, quinces, et cetera, is expected to increase by 20% YoY. The projected growth could result in a total production exceeding 3.5 million metric tons (mmt) by 2025. On the other hand, heavy rains in Northern and Northwestern India are expected to cause a 50% drop in apple production, potentially reducing output for the current season by at least half. This is due to apple plantation damages in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu, and Kashmir. Kashmir Valley, known for producing 75% of India's 2.1 to 2.9 mmt of apples, is experiencing a sharp decline in production due to torrential rains. Farmers in the region anticipate a 50% decline in apple production this season. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh's apple production is expected to be halved, producing an estimated 15 million boxes. These losses are attributed to the adverse impact of heavy downpours and rainfall on the apple crops. Lastly, the United States (US) apple crop for fall 2023 is expected to reach around 120 million cases due to favorable growing conditions and new high-density orchards in Washington. Despite a 15% decrease in Washington's production compared to 2022, the overall outlook for the US apple crop remains positive.
