Apple auctions - prices slightly higher than 2020

"We can say we are very pleased with how apple auctions have gone so far. The Gala auction has ended and the market responded very well, with prices slightly over those of 2020. Quantities were 10% higher than expected and 5% more than in 2020," reports Markus Tscholl, coordinator of Asta Frutta Alto Adige.

These excellent results were made possible also by the weather, which guaranteed an excellent product quality. Buyers came from countries including Egypt and Germany as well as Italy. 

The auction for Star Delicious and Golden (the variety with the highest volumes) started last Thursday. There is a lot of interest from Spain, Austria and Germany.  

"The first auctions of Star and Golden are going well, with prices slightly higher than in 2020. Of course this is only the beginning and we will have to wait for the end of the campaign to make an assessment. We harvested Golden apples from the bottom of the valley first, those at 700 meters asl will be harvested in early October." 

With a number of clients that almost matches that of producers (550 registered buyers and 760 producers), Asta Frutta Alto Adige represents a historic trader, as it started operating in the 1960s. Producers grow over 900 hectares in total, with an expected volume of approximately 45 thousand tons.

"We hold the GlobalGAP and Grasp certifications, so we can export all over the world, and we sell the entire production already during harvesting. The fruit is delivered in under 24 hours on average and auctions end with the last varieties around late October. The best batches are identified with the Select brand, which guarantees the ripening level and color according to the highest standards and maximum uniformity, with grades 75+ for all varieties (70+ for Gala)."