EUROPE:
Pear: Stocks up to 01/03 indicate 36% more than in 2011, and 39% more than in 2010. The largest volume of stock corresponds to Conference, although the percentage in relationship to other seasons is led by the Abbot variety, then B.Bosc and followed by Conference. The market is active and February's output was higher than in other seasons, though not sufficient to adjust the stock to more normal values. Sales were forced through promotions and price reductions. There has been a reduction in output to Russia in recent days.
The entry of pears from the Southern Hemisphere continues its trend, as in the beginning, with fewer shipments, especially by Argentina and South Africa. The total input up to now is 40% below 2011 and 23% lower than 2010. These minor volumes favor their output and are incorporated into commercial channels with reasonable prices, without being as affected by low local prices.
Concerning trends according to varieties, in Williams and Bon Chretien sales are agile, and dollar prices although they adjust, they are similar to those of the previous two seasons.
In Rosemarie and Flamingo, the offer is slightly lower than 2011, prices are similar to the previous seasons. The Red Bartlett is progressing normally, with prices slightly lower than last season.
Packhams revenue is lower than in other seasons and interest begins to increase with the completion of the Williams variety, which will happen after Easter, and for now the dollar prices are stable and similar to previous years. For Abate the situation is more difficult because of the Italian pressure. Prices are lower than other seasons.
Apple: The stock up to 01/03 indicates a higher availability by 10% compared to 2011, although slightly lower than 2010, -1%. Regarding the bulk varieties in stock, Golden, although proportional, is slightly higher than in other seasons, while the largest percentage increases were for Jonagold, Elstar, Granny and Breaburn.
February outputs are higher than other seasons but varies according to the market, as Italy, Spain and France show slow markets. Germany and the Netherlands have active markets, Poland is active due to shipments to Russia, and overall it has been
good for industry, for lower quality fruit.
The arrivals from the Southern Hemisphere are still low, 40% lower than the previous two years. Brazil has been the country which has reduced their shipments the most, followed by Argentina and South Africa and to a lesser extent, Chile. Sales are slow because European Galas are still marketed. It is a fruit that has good demand, and since its stock is less than other seasons, it is expected to activate its positioning. Home Prices for Southern Galas are slightly lower than in 2011 and above 2010. The outlook for other varieties is diverse, in Red the stock is reduced and may have some space in the market, Granny has the opposite situation, its stock is higher. For Pink Lady, although its production increased so has its consumption, it is expected to consume the stock for the Southern entry.
RUSSIA:
Arrivals from the Southern Hemisphere are still below 2011 and even 2010. Dollar prices for Williams were adjusted again compared to the previous week, and remain below last year's prices but similar to 2010.
Apple: There has also been a reduction in apple orders from importers to Poland and Western Europe, while maintaining prices lower than 2011.
The amount entered from the Southern Hemisphere remains half of what was shipped in 2011 and similar to 2010, mainly due to Argentina's reduction. The price for Gala was adjusted over the last week and is less than the 2011 season.
UNITED STATES:
Pear: There is good offer for local pears, with some lower wholesale prices compared to last week and lower to 2011.
Income remains at an average compared to the last two seasons. Although there is a wide choice of local pears, Williams remain good due to its lower offer. Import prices for pears from Argentina have come down compared to last week, especially for smaller sizes less than 90, and on average are higher than 2011 and below 2010 for the same week; also slightly lower with wholesalers last week and higher than 2011 and less than 2010.
The average price offered by major retailers to consumers for pears this week was US$1.32/kg for Williams, US$1.16/kg for D'Anjou and US$1.08/kg for B. Bosc.
Apple: Up to the 1st of March the local apple stock, according to USApples, had a total of 54.1 million boxes of fresh apples of 42 pounds each and of 26.5 million boxes of processed apples of 42 pounds each. Fresh apples came down 3% compared to 2011 but were 2% higher, in the average of the last five years; while for processed apples the percentages were quiet positve, +9% and +4%
respectively. The market´s demand remains normal and wholesale prices are stable compared to last week, slightly higher than in previous years.
For the Southern Hemisphere apple, Chilean Gala, intermediate import prices were published between 2011 and 2010, while wholesale prices were adjusted in relation to last week, similar to those of 2011.
Source: SecretarÃa de agricultura sefrn.gov.ar