"30% lower production and international situation hamper our apple exports"

A considerable drop in the demand for Argentinian apples has been recorded this campaign. According to the producers, this is due to the international situation, which is taking a considerable toll on the purchasing power of importers worldwide. "We believe that the conflict in the Middle East and the fall in oil prices are among the main reasons why the demand for our apples has been lower this year. Also, if we compare this year with last year, we have seen a decline in prices," states Marcelo Galardini, of Patagonian Fruits.

The harvest of the late varieties finished in late April and estimates point to a significant drop in the production. The main cause has been the frequent hailstorms, which affected the harvesting process. "There is speculation about a 30% drop in the production compared to last year for the early varieties. Happily, for late varieties, like the Gala, production started on a good footing," points out Galardini.

"The most important export volume is still in progress and, although Europe has not been as active as expected, prices have remained stable. Now we are just hoping for the crisis in Russia to stabilise and stop affecting the entire European continent," concludes the representative of the Argentinian company.

For more information:
Marcelo Galardini
Patagonian Fruits Trade S.A.
T: +54 9 298 4669292
E: mgalardini@pft.com.ar
www.patagonianfruits.com