The April frost greatly affected French fruit cultivation. "There's currently a reasonable supply of apricots. The quality varies considerably according to variety and region. Certain regions suffered greatly from the frost. Their quality doesn't look great," says Theo Kampschoer of Kampexport. This year, he's been working in the French fruit and vegetable trading sector for 60 years.
Left: Boléro apricots, an offspring of the Orange Red. It has more color and flavor. Right: Theo Kampschoer.
"Some growers are lucky enough to farm in areas that didn't get as much frost. Others have invested a lot of money in preventive measures. These are things like lighting braziers and covering the crop with nets. They also have massive fans. These types of farmers have an 80% harvest. The others' harvests are between ten and 30%."
According to the exporter, the reduced apricot supply will only become evident when the Bergeron variety's season begins. These grow in the Rhone Valley. "That will be from the second half of July through August. Then there will be 80% less product. I also estimate the peach and nectarine harvests at 50-70%. That depends on the growing region and how the orchards were protected. I also think the pear crop in the Vaucluse will end up at less than half. And I predict the apple harvest will be 30% lower," Theo concludes.
For more information:
Theo Kampschoer
Kampexport Sud
BP 2
34280, La Grande Motte, France
Tel: +33 (0) 467 567 354
Email: kampexportsud@kampexport.com
Website: www.kampexport.com