Agreste estimates that at the end of September the levels of apples and pears are respectively 42% and 39% below those recorded on the same date last year. The decrease in stock is due to a 1-2 week delay in harvest over the year, depending on the region.
The Minister’s Statistical Service reports that the 2016-2017 marketing campaign began late in the South East. The market was not very dynamic for Gala apples, consumers showed preference for peaches and grapes due to the “scorching temperatures”. French demand began at the end of September.
Gala apple exports to the Middle East and Asia are reported to be regular, according to the Ministry. At export, French apples are in competition with Italian apples on the European market. Prices in September are 2% above the 2011-2015 average (+14% for Galas thanks to demand at export).
Pear stocks at the end of September 2016 are 29% below that recorded last year. Again, the 1-2 week delay in harvest explains this decrease. Agreste reports that “After an inactive start to the 2016-2107 season, the demand increased in August, as much on the domestic market as on the European one”.
The outcome is that the prices at the start of the season for summer pears (Guyot) increased by 30% compared to 2015 and 22% compared to the 2011-2015 average, due to a production deficit and an active demand. Due to the high temperatures in September, demand for pears was in competition with summer fruits.
The short supply of William’s pears allowed for prices to remain strong (+22% compared to the 2011-2015 average). However, for the first autumn pears, prices are just 3% above the 2011-2015 average.