W41: Apple Update

In W41 in the apple landscape, Hungary's apple harvest in 2023 is estimated to be between 500 and 550 thousand tons, almost double the 2022 harvest. The fresh consumption apple varieties are expected to yield 100 to 120 thousand tons, sufficient for domestic needs. Additionally, industrial apple varieties are predicted to contribute around 400 to 430 thousand tons, covering 80 to 90% of Hungary's processing capacity. Despite a reduction in apple orchard hectarage over the years, apple production has still increased. In 2006, the total apple orchard area was 45 thousand hectares(ha), projected to have decreased by half by 2023.

During the first half of 2023, Polish apple growers supplied approximately 50 to 70 thousand tons of apples to Russia, bypassing the import ban. Polish apple growers utilize Kazakhstan and Belarus, both Eurasian Economic Union members and Russia, as intermediaries to circumvent the apple import ban. Official Polish trade data indicates the shipment of 43.2 thousand tons of apples to Kazakhstan and 26 thousand tons to Belarus. Thus, many Polish apples continue to enter Russia despite the import prohibition.

Wholesale apple prices are increasing in Ukraine, particularly for the Gala variety. Apple prices are currently about 20% higher than the previous year due to the outstanding quality of Ukrainian apples in 2023, driven by ideal climatic conditions and a record-breaking warm and sunny Sep-23, which led to impeccable coloring and taste parameters. Regarding hryvnia, prices have reached an all-time high, with dollar values only surpassing these in 2019.

The Ministry of Agriculture reported on October 1, 2023 that the apple production in France for this year is estimated to increase by 12% year-on-year (YoY), reaching 1.615 million metric tons (mmt). This substantial growth is primarily attributed to an 8% increase in Golden apple production, 8% in Granny Smith, 16% in Gala, and 13% in other varieties. Last Jul-23's estimate predicted a 9% increase compared to the previous year, totaling 1.581 mmt. These figures represent a significant boost in apple production, surpassing earlier expectations.

Lastly, in India, apple growers in South Kashmir's Shopian district have expressed optimism due to increased demand for various apple varieties in 2023. Indian apple production declined by 30 to 40% YoY due to adverse weather conditions during spring, which hampered proper fruit setting. An apple orchard owner reported a significant drop in yields, with around 1.2 thousand to 1.5 thousand boxes in 2023 compared to 3 thousand boxes in 2022. Due to increased demand, Indian growers expect higher prices that keep them optimistic despite lower production.