Currently, it’s difficult to export apples to the Middle East. The reason is strong competition from other origins. A French exporter says: "All origins, all qualities, and all prices are present in the market. At the same time, the demand is only average."
"In the Middle East, competition from Eastern countries is already present. Western Europe has started the season as well, and there’s still a bit left from New Zealand. It's a difficult market, with prices which aren’t necessarily good."
The exporter himself began the season a fortnight ago with the Royal Gala variety, the only variety available at the moment.
Local production
The exporter exports apples all around the world. "In South America, there’s still some local production. The situation is therefore comparable to the situation in the Middle East, with average demand. People are interested, but they wait a bit for local production to disappear. Demand is expected to increase in a month."
Demand stronger in China
The export conditions are the best in Asia. “I’m under the impression that there’s a bit more demand from Asia, with prices comparable to last year. China has lost much of its crops, and that already increases demand."