WAPA predicts low pear and apple production this year

According to the World Apple and Pear Association, WAPA, apple and pear harvest prospects have been revised as of November 2012.

The total production of apples is now expected to reach 9,600,000 tonnes in the 2012 business year, which represents an 8% fall compared to 2011. Regarding the total production of pears in 2012, WAPA's report indicates that it is expected to reach 1,824,000 tonnes, which is 31% less than last year.

WAPA'S prediction is particularly evident in Belgium. Despite the fact that the Belgian apple production estimates have increased from 212,000 tonnes to 221,000, the figure is still 28% lower than in 2011. In the case of pears, prospects have changed from 255,000 to 235,000 for the 2012 business year, reflecting a 21% drop compared to 2011.

Italy is another country reflecting changes, with pear production prospects going from 717,000 tonnes to 608,000, which is 34% less than in 2011. In the case of apples, Italy expects a 16% drop, reaching 1,928,000 tonnes.

For its part, Poland reflects an increase in apples from 2,800,000 tonnes to 2,900,000, which is a 16% increase compared to 2011. In pears, 45,000 tonnes are expected, which is 18% less than last year.

Romania is another EU country with changed prospects, increasing its apple production from 403,000 tonnes to 413,000. In pears, 27,000 tonnes are expected, which is 7% less than in 2011.

Other estimations: Pears
According to WAPA, the prospective harvest for pears in the Czech Republic is of 6,000 tonnes, which is 109% more than in 2011. Denmark will reach 5,000 tonnes, the same as last year. France will reach 123,000 tonnes; 30% less than last year. Meanwhile, Germany will produce 38,000 tonnes (-19%); Greece 44,000 (+21%) and Hungary 26,000 (+23%).

For its part, the Netherlands expects 198,000 tonnes (-41%); Portugal 109,000 tonnes (-48%); Slovenia 3,000 tonnes (-59%) and Spain will reach a production of 329,000 tonnes, which is 29% less than in 2011. Sweden will produce 1,000 tonnes (-53%) and the UK 28,000 tonnes of pears; 12% less than in 2011.

Finally, WAPA highlights that Latvia and Slovakia will registers drops of 33 and 67% respectively.

Other estimations: Apples
According to WAPA, the prospective harvest for apples in Austria is of 153,000 tonnes, 23% less than in 2011. The Czech Republic will produce 101,000 tonnes (+28%); Denmark 18,000 (-10%); France 1,169,000 (-31%); Germany 933,000 (-2%), and Greece will produce 297,000 tonnes; 3% less than last year.

For its part, Hungary will reach 418,000 tonnes (+39%); Latvia 7,000 (-13%); Lithuania 39,000 (-20%) and the Netherlands will reach 313,000 tonnes, which is 25% less than in 2011.

Portugal will reach 225,000 tonnes, which is 15% drop compared to 2011. The Czech Republic will produce 36,000 tonnes of pears, reflecting a 9% increase compared to last year.

Meanwhile, Slovenia will have 45,000 tonnes, which is a 38% drop; Spain will reach 373,000 tonnes; a 26% decrease compared to 2011. Sweden will reach 14,000 tonnes of pears (-18%) and the United Kingdom's production will amount to 163,000 tonnes, which is 28% less.

In terms of varieties, the pears dropping the most are the Abate F (-55%), Rocha (-48%), Doyenne du Comice (-44%) and Conference (-25%). In the case of pears no variety has registered an increase compared to 2011.

Regarding apples, the varieties dropping the most are Braeburn (-22%), Cripps Pink (-21%), Red Delicious (-21%), Fuji (-25%) and Granny Smith (-27%), while the Jonagored and Idared will grow by 75 and 41% respectively.

Source: SimFRUIT