The last phase of Switzerland’s apple harvest is in full swing. Late varieties like the Braeburn are harvested, and this year’s quality seems good. Quantity, though, is another matter. Is there a looming shortage? No, says the German Agrarmarkt Informations-Gesellschaft (AMI), quite the contrary!
Official numbers aren’t in yet, but estimates say there will be 137,000 tons to go around: a 37,000-ton surplus. This phenomenon isn’t new. In fact, Swiss growers of top fruit have been overproducing for years now. This, of course, affects prices. The 'Schweizer Obstverband' is considering reeling in the amount of acreage.
This measure has already been implemented a few times before. Halfway through the nineties, the range was still 5,100 hectares. This number had already been reduced to 4,000. Improved cultivation methods and high-performing varieties, however, still push up harvests.
The current supply of apples overshoots demands by miles. Additional problem is that the Swiss aren’t eating as many apples as they used to.