In contrast to previous seasons, most varieties of Polish apples will be out of stock before the new season commences, says Jan Nowakowski, manager of Polish apple exporter Genesis Fresh: "This season for apples is moving slowly and steadily. We have less volume this year and most varieties will be sold before the start of the new season. Usually, we have always apples from the previous season when the new crops are available. However, this season we will have only limited volumes for the apples, which will go to our existing clients."
The prices of industrial apples have played a significant role in the general apple season, Nowakowski states. "The high prices for industrial apples is causing clients to double check both sides of the coin, they don't want to spend their money that easily. The high costs are at the production side from the very beginning in the orchards, in the storages, packaging and employment. As volume is limited, prices are rising every month. This will reduce the purchase of the industry apples by the end of the season."
According to Nowakowski, the longer transit time from Poland to the Far East has caused export volumes to decline this season: "There are some exporters that are still shipping apples to Far East at this part of the season. The demand is great and we could ship much more volumes this season. However, the longer transit time and lesser quality for this transit is causing a reduction of exports to these destinations for this season. We wish to ship only apples which are up to our clients' specifications and therefore we will start shipping apples to Asia from the new season, rather than right now."
The economic situation of European consumers will play a big part in the future of the Polish apples. "The costs of storage, electricity and labour are on the rise. Therefore, there is a natural pressure to increase the prices for the clients to maintain the service of deliveries. I expect the prices will increase for another 10 to 15 per cent, or even more, until the end of this season. Our apples' prices are still lower compared to other main European producers like Italy, France, Germany or Spain. Demand for apples in this part of the season is lower compared to the same period last season. Its due to higher prices of apples, larger share of food expenses and less purchasing power for households. If the economy does not recover, we will face more difficulties in the future," Nowakowski concludes.
For more information:
Jan Nowakowski
Genesis Fresh
Tel: +48 223 783 405
Email: info@genesisfresh.com