“There are lots of apple stocks in Europe, especially in Italy and Eastern Europe,” noted David Socheleau of Le Vergers de La Blottiere/Apple-Bird. His firm imports apples and pears from Chile and Argentina for retailers in France and Europe, and while he's confident that European retailers will still want plenty of Gala apples, other more common varieties might not find as receptive a market this year.
“Some stock might go later than usual this year, and that could have an impact on prices and demand for Southern Hemisphere fruit,” said Socheleau. “Some French retailers might stick with French apples and Northern Hemisphere apples for as long as possible, maybe into July. But other European retailers might have deals that require certain sugar levels or quality standards, and they will go with the best product available.” While some retailers may opt for the fresher apples from South America, Socheleau expects apple imports from Chile to be down by between 10 and 20 percent this season because of lingering Northern Hemisphere volumes.
South Africa will compete with Chile for sales in Europe, but Socheleau thinks South African shippers will focus more on Asia. Opening new markets in Asia is a big undertaking, so South African fruit is unlikely to makemany new inroads in Europe. While the ban on European goods in Russia still leaves the door open for Southern Hemisphere fruit, the economic situation in Russia makes it an unattractive destination.
“We can send South American fruit to Russia,” noted Socheleau, “but with the devaluation of the Russian ruble, I think Chile will send less fruit to Russia. Though this is a bigger problem for Argentina, because they have been a big supplier to Russia in the past.”
For more information:
David Socheleau
david.socheleau@vergers-blottiere.com
www.apple-bird.com