In W30 in the apple landscape, India's apple production is expected to decrease significantly this year, almost halving its usual production due to heavy rains and floods. The regions of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have suffered losses of around USD 121.4 million (INR 1 billion) in fruit. The rains also caused damage to infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, estimated at USD 546.5 million (INR 4500 billion). Additionally, the inclement weather negatively impacted India's rice crop, leading to an export ban to manage supply shortfalls. These adverse weather conditions significantly affect India's agricultural sector and emphasize the need for effective measures to address natural disasters.
Dutch media reports a 12% decrease in the Netherlands' apple harvest estimates for 2023, with a predicted yield of 207 thousand kg. This decline is primarily due to the reduced cultivated area and lower tree production. Among the apple varieties, the Elstar remains the most cultivated, with an expected harvest of 82 million kg, representing an 8% year-on-year (YoY) decrease.
Ukraine's early apple season is in full swing, but the new apple harvest is facing a rapid decline in apple prices. The apples from the 2023 harvest stood at USD 0.46-0.66/kg (UAH 17-24/kg), which is around 26% lower than the end of last year's working week. This decrease is due to the large volumes of imported apples and Ukrainian farmers shipping new harvest fruits for several weeks. Additionally, low demand for apples has contributed to the price decline, as buyers are switching to seasonal fruits and berries. Meanwhile, Romania has become the largest market for Polish apples in the first five months of 2023, exporting nearly 40 thousand tons of fruit. The total value of apple exports was USD 20 million (PLN 82.5 million), with Kazakhstan being the second-largest market in the analyzed period due to active spring exports.
In Spain, the apple harvest forecast for Catalonia in 2023 is expected to be 266.1 thousand tons, which is 1% below the average but 22% higher than in 2022, despite frost challenges. However, the drought has impacted this year's apple harvest, resulting in a 15-20% decrease from its maximum production potential. On the other hand, Colombia's imported granny smith apples prices surged in 24 out of 36 wholesale markets during W26 due to reduced Chile cargo supply. The increase in prices ranges from USD 2.39/kg to 2.52/kg (COP 9,474/kg to 10,000/kg).
