Better growers returns expected
British Bramley expected to be down 20%
"At the moment European volumes are expected to be down around 5% compared to last year, which may not be a bad thing. Just as the season was getting started last year, the ban on export to Russia was imposed leaving many producers looking for alternative markets, UK growers do not generally export to Russia but felt the consequences of the ban all the same."
He goes on to say that the ban led to a depressed market right up until Christmas, but that will not be the case this year as producers have been able to find new markets. "Although there is a strong feeling within the industry that the low prices of last season cannot continue and that if they do it will begin to have a significant impact on production, in particular in investment in new varieties, orchard up-keep etc. For these reasons I do believe we will see an improvement in prices within Europe."
Prices this year will depend on what happens in Europe, but Adrian believes that British retailers will take on board what is being said within the industry. He does not think there will be huge increases but that prices will certainly be up on last year.
The British Bramley crop is expected to be down by around 20% due to inadequate returns over the last few years which has resulted in the grubbing of Bramley orchards, also because the size of apples will be down this year. Meaning that supply will not meet demand. This is especially disappointing as the Bramley apple gained the TSG, Traditional Speciality Guaranteed, for Bramley apple pie.
As for eating apples, the smaller sizes expected will be positive as this is what the consumer wants. Adrian sees the supply lasting well until early next summer after which there will a great strain on supply. Although supply for the processing industry may start to run short as early as this Autumn, "This is a great tragedy because we have seen fresh sales increasing by 18% compared to the previous year, which is huge. It is sad that we won't be able to continue that kind of increase."
Overall the English crop will be around 10 days later than last year, although the early Discovery variety is being harvested at the moment and available in limited quantities. The colour and size is good and eating quality is excellent according to Adrian.
Looking forward to the coming season he expects skin finish and colour to be good and so far sugar levels are expected to be good.
For more information:
Adrian Barlow
English Apples &Pears
Tel: + 44 1989 564772