W31: Apple Update

In W31 in the apple landscape, apple production in European Union (EU) countries is projected to be around 11.4 million tons in 2023, indicating a 3% year-on-year (YoY) decline. This production is below the average recorded over the previous ten years. Specifically, Elstar apple production is expected to reach 269 thousand metric tons (mt), reflecting a substantial 21% YoY drop. Lower production figures are anticipated in both Germany and the Netherlands. The Netherlands' apple production is estimated at 82 thousand tons, marking an 8% YoY reduction and representing one of the smallest yields in the past decade. Furthermore, France's apple production is expected to increase by 9% in 2023, 8% higher than the average annual harvest between 2018 and 2022. The French Ministry of Agriculture estimates an annual production of 1.5 million tons as of July 1, 2023.

AFRUCAT predicts that the Catalonia area of Spain will produce more apples in 2023 than in 2022, with a harvest of 266.1 thousand tons, a 22% YoY increase but a 1% increase over the preceding five years. Spain’s two largest apple production areas are Lleida and Girona, which produce 88.5 thousand tons and 175.9 thousand tons, respectively. Meanwhile, it was reported that during W30, the price of imported green apples increased in 24 Colombian wholesale markets due to Chile's production reduction. In Bogota's Corabastos market, prices rose from USD 2.64/kg to USD 2.83/kg. On the other hand, Ukraine's apple orchard area will reach a new minimum in 2023, a 3% annual decrease since 2016. Nonetheless, certain regions might reenter the market due to strong demand from processors. The issue of apple yield remains open, with weather conditions affecting production. The price of the fresh harvest plummeted in July, attributed to leftover apples from the previous year.

The Apple Growers Association of India and Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers predict a 50% drop in Kashmir's apple production in 2023 compared to last year's 1.87 million tons. Severe heavy rains and flooding have caused significant damage to fruit crops valued at USD 122 million in the main producing area, impacting apple production in India. Most apples are grown in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, with less than 2% exported to Bangladesh and Nepal. India's decision to cancel import duty on apples from the United States (US) has impacted the global apple market. Furthermore, the fresh fruit market in Delhi fluctuates daily based on supply, demand, and quality. Around 55 to 60 trucks of Shimla apples arrived, with varying prices based on color and size. Indian fresh apple production experienced a 40% to 50% reduction compared to the previous year. Despite the prominence of the Kashmir apple region, Indian apples faced competition from Washington apples due to reduced import duties. India exports 2% to 3% of its apple production to Bangladesh and Nepal annually.

Lastly, in Moldova, the Director General of the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) discussed facilitating the export of Moldovan apples to the Indian market, including phytosanitary requirements. The delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, aims to establish partnerships with Moldovan producers and invest in fruit and vegetable processing activities.