The Eastern Free State had a lot of rain during December accompanied by cool production conditions which have delayed the start of the Royal Gala harvest, usually the second week of the year, to week 3.
The colour and size of the Royal Gala crop have been dampened by the hitherto unusually cool and overcast season, but domestic market demand for apples is strong.
“Apple stocks are moving, which is good for us because then we’ll entering a strong market,” says Hein Punt, CEO of Maluti Fruit Packers in Bethlehem, Free State. He notes that due to the cool production conditions their usual preponderance of Royal Gala apples could swing more towards Gala specifications. Exports are expected to commence in week 4.
“We’re quite optimistic about the colour development on the Top Red apples,” he adds. “Producers are cautiously optimistic about Pink Lady but it is very early in its season. Our Pinks usually ripen towards the end of March or the beginning of April.”
A lot of water from South Africa will be running into the ocean before they pack Pink Ladies, he remarks, referring the high amounts of rain South Africa has been receiving in recent weeks. “There are large volumes of Pink Lady on the way from the eastern Free State. We’re holding thumbs for very good colour on the Pinks.”
Many new apple orchards have been established across the eastern Free State, all under netting, with an emphasis on new Gala strains like Flash Gala, the Lady in Red/Rosy Glow apples as well as a renewal in the red spectrum with new cultivars.
“Last year we packed 6,000 tonnes of apples. This year the plan is 8,000 tonnes which is a 35% increase,” Hein notes.
Maluti Fruit Packers in Bethlehem, Free State
For more information:
Hein Punt
Maluti Fruit Packers
Tel: +27 58 304 3376
Email: info@malutifruit.co.za