France is still harvesting late varieties of apples. "The Pink Lady, for example, is picked during the month of November, so we do not yet have a complete picture of the harvest. According to the latest estimates, we will harvest about 2% less than what was announced by Prognosfruit, "says Vincent Guérin of the National Association of Pears Apples (ANPP).
According to Vincent, prices are more or less stable at a satisfactory level. "We are still in the launch phase of putting them on the market, but it is gaining momentum. For now there are no concerns about prices. The volume of this crop is balanced, not too important, whether in France or throughout Western Europe. We expect a fairly balanced market with a supply that will coincide with the usual demand of our different markets. "
The most important destinations of the moment for France are the Middle East, Asia and the United Kingdom. France also sends large volumes to Spain, Germany and Benelux.
Vincent Guérin
Vincent says that the French climate has been very favorable. "The sunny weather gave apples a good sugar level. Taste qualities are very interesting this year. We have also been able to harvest in good conditions."
The influence of the Polish harvest
The great harvest of Poland only slightly influences the French market. "Most apples here are French apples. In addition, Poland does not necessarily offer varieties adapted to French demand," says Vincent.
Nevertheless, Polish volumes influence the market indirectly: "The presence of Polish apples is a little stronger in Germany or in Northern Europe, where the French are trying to sell theirs as well. Indirectly, Poland therefore influences the market for us too."
The production of pears will increase
The French production of pears is quite moderate and does not cover all the needs of the French market. "French distribution wants to put French pears on the shelves, so we have a market that is easily balanced. We have not had any commercialization problems these past few years."
In the pear market, everything goes smoothly with the right prices. It is for this reason that more and more French producers are replanting pear trees. The production of French pears will slowly increase in the coming years.
This growth affects mainly William pears and new varieties such as Angélys, Qtee and Sweet Sensation. "Production of the Conference pear will also slightly increase, but this market is a little more competitive than the others, even if everything goes well because many Belgian and Dutch Conference pears are commercialized on the French market."
For more information:
Association Nationale Pommes Poires
7 rue Biscornet - 75012 PARIS
Tél : +33 (0) 1 53 10 27 80
Fax : +33 (0)1 53 10 27 88
v.guerin@pommespoires.fr
anpp@pommespoires.fr
www.pommespoires.fr