"The next two to three weeks will be crucial for the remainder of the apple campaign"

The Christmas season is over and the market has stabilized somewhat. In the southern German apple trade, people hope for good sales in the autumn and a satisfactory consumption for the remaining months of that season. The next two to three weeks will be decisive, explains Andreas Blaser of the Blaser Obst, based in Meckenbeuren.

Production of Blaser Obst GmbH

Currently, trade is relatively slow, says the wholesaler. "Due to the high summer temperatures, storage circumstances are sub-optimal. It would be desirable to sell off these goods quickly, because their quality -in terms of size and taste- is excellent this season."

Picture credits: Blaser Obst GmbH

Decisive phase
The pome fruit industry has seen some difficult months, confirms Blaser. Because of the relatively high temperatures in autumn, consumption was significantly lower than usual. "Many gardeners had their own apples, which is why our sales were less as well. As a result, sales in October and November were significantly lower than usual, with the market picking up somewhat in December, with a marked rise around Christmas time. However, little has changed in terms of pricing."

The next two to three weeks will be crucial for the rest of the season. At the end of January, we will know whether consumption is picking up and whether the domestic consumer will buy the remaining apples at reasonable prices. "The stocks are sufficient anyway until the end of the season. The main thing now is for the prices go up a bit, so that some more money will be left for the growers."

Picture credits: Blaser Obst GmbH

Extension of club variety range?
Blaser fruit trade is located in the heart of the Lake Constance region, since time immemorial an important and quite innovative area in the area of ​​pome fruit cultivation. Currently, some club varieties are still being tested. "I do not know if that's the way to the finish," Blaser said. "In my opinion there are enough club varieties at the moment, and there must also be space on the shelves for these. In my opinion, with Gala, Elstar, Braeburn and the Jonagold Group as well, we have a top range in terms of quantity and quality."

Plums are also part of the seasonal offer of the fruit trade

Own production & wholesale
Blaser Obst GmbH specializes in apples, cherries and soft fruit and has a total production of more than 200 ha. The products are produced according to customer requirements.

For more information:
Andreas Blaser
Blaser Obst GmbH
Senglingen 6
88074 Meckenbeuren
Telefon: 07542-95 148-0
Fax: 07542-95 148-20
E-Mail: info@blaser-obst.de 
www.blaser-obst.de