In Shaanxi and Shandong, the Gala 65 apple is now harvested and sold for 1.8 to 2 RMB per 500g. The price is 50% higher than the same period last year. And because the supply is limited and the costumers are gathered in only a few production regions, the sale is intense.
The start of the sales period is practically the same as last year, but the sales period for large volumes is later. The main reason is the weather. The weather in Shaanxi was too dry at first. Under the circumstances of high temperature and limited rainfall, the gala apples didn't change in colour. At the same time, the production surface for the Gala apples was slightly reduced. A reduced production volume compared to last year was well within expectation.
After the small amount of rain and the clear weather, the weather in the greater part of Shaanxi was hot and humid. Under these conditions, the apples quickly turned red. At the end of July and beginning of August, the Gala apples were made available in full to consumers. This means that the market will move towards a balance between supply and demand. So the price for Gala apples probably won't go up.
Source: www.cnr.cn