The apple campaign in France is following its course and is generally going well. "The harvest is taking place in good or even very good weather conditions. The volumes of the French harvest are currently in line with what we expected and announced when we launched the campaign. The quality of the fruit is good with an outstanding coloration. Moreover, according to the fruit stations, the announced storage capacity is quite good. On the other hand, small sizes are dominant, especially for the Gala variety," explains Vincent Guérin from ANPP.
Fair price levels so far
Regarding marketing, the exchanges on the French market are normal with growing consumption. "Marketing is going well. Although apple prices are not completely stabilized because of increasing supply and demand. Despite some overly aggressive promotions that we have denounced, prices have been globally correct for the moment. We have not had a drop in prices as we usually see at the beginning of the campaign with the increasing supply. Nevertheless, producers must obtain satisfactory prices on the whole range of sizes to balance the accounts. Because, like last year, it is again a small apple crop."
Good export flows
On the export side, volumes are the same as last year, although marketing started a week later: "We are still in the observation phase, but the flows are very good on the Scandinavian, British, and Spanish markets. As for Poland, their harvest is later than ours and the first apples are just starting to be marketed. The offer is therefore existing but it is difficult to say at this point how big it will be. Regarding the competition from a general point of view, the pattern remains the same as in previous years. Poland, Italy, and Turkey are countries that are developing their exports. The third-country markets are very competitive with an increasing number of origins. But the landscape in these countries is now distorted by logistical difficulties, rising costs, availability, and fluidity of sea freight.
Pears: solid prices that will not compensate for losses
For the pear campaign, on the other hand, the situation is much more complex given the very low harvest volumes. "The summer pear campaign, in which we include the William, is almost over. As announced at the beginning of the campaign, it has been extremely deficient. We are now starting the fall pear campaign with the Conference and the Comice. Although this campaign is less deficient than the summer campaign, we still are facing a big shortage of pears on the market. Given the good demand from the French distribution and the limited supply, the market is firm with sustained prices. However, these prices will not be enough to balance the campaign of producers who have a large deficit.
For more information:
Vincent Guérin
National Apple and Pear Association
7 rue Biscornet - 75012 PARIS
Phone: +33 (0) 1 53 10 27 80
Fax : +33 (0)1 53 10 27 88
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.lapomme.org
