The final estimate for Dutch apple and pear 2022 harvests is now known. It is lower than the summer estimate. For apples, it is four percent lower, with 11% fewer Elstara expected. For pears, the final assessment is five percent lower than the summer one. That is due to a seven percent lower estimate for Conference but an 11% increase for Doyenné du Comice.
Total apple production is, thus, three percent lower, while for pears, it is three percent higher than last year. That is what a harvest estimate group's figures show. This group includes representatives from the Netherlands Fruit growers Organization (NFO), Central Bureau of Statistics, and GroentenFruit Huis. Delphy works out the estimates.
At the summer estimate, the crops' average final size and weight are not known. Measurements are taken to determine those. The final harvest may, therefore, differ from the summer estimate. The average final fruit weight in the Netherlands is lower for some varieties and somewhat higher for others than expected at the summer estimate.
Elstar and Conference's decreased yields mean Dutch apples and pears have an improved market perspective. Here, it is vital that the markets are served continuously. Most apples and pears sell at good shelf prices. The NFO wants to emphasize that this should allow for higher grower prices to cover the higher cost price.