As is well known, a smaller harvest was brought in in the Altes Land last late summer compared to the previous year. "The total yield was around 20-25 per cent below the previous year's level. Because we had a relatively abundant harvest in the 23/24 season, I would classify this year's harvest as slightly below average. However, we have to say that this year we had a relatively high proportion of hail-damaged fruit, up to a third of the total volume, which is rather less common in the Altes Land," sums up Jürgen Faby, managing director of the cultivation and marketing company of the same name in the Altes Land, Germany.
On the reference date of 1 January 2025, the total stock level was around 80 per cent of last year's stock level. Due to the smaller quantities, prices across the range tend to be above last year's level, which is particularly welcome due to the renewed cost increases (labour costs, logistics, and pesticides) at the producer level. "Regarding CA storage, one tries to negotiate a price increase. Meanwhile, marketing in the autumn was quite good. Sales in December are traditionally a bit slower, although there was a slight upturn in business between Christmas and New Year. In terms of sales, experience shows that the first quarter (January-March) is the strongest marketing phase. So I'm quite positive as we enter the second half of the season."
Jürgen Faby during a company visit by FreshPlaza.de in 2023. There should be enough stock of Wellant, Junami, and Red Jonaprince until the new harvest starts.
A wide range of varieties is produced in Altes Land, the largest contiguous apple-growing area in northern Germany. "The market for club varieties continues to grow slightly, although I expect further expansion in the Wellant variety in particular. The Aldiamo variety concept (exclusive variety of Aldi, ed.), in which we are involved, is also very popular. Club apples only represent a part of the range, but I also believe that we must not ignore the conventional varieties. Currently, the varieties Gala, Braeburn, and Red Jonaprince are becoming more important again, although,h from the grower's standpoint, the factors of yield security and quality remain crucial," Faby continues.
For several years, Faby has been dedicated to the cultivation and distribution of red-cheeked Alessia pears.
Regional pears until April
In addition to apples, pear cultivation has also been gaining relevance in the Altes Land region for several years. The management of Faby confirms the growth potential of pear production and has so far mainly dedicated itself to the two club varieties Alessia and Xenia (Novembra) as well as Conference and Alexander Lucas. In recent years, large plantings have already been planted, which will reach full yield from the 26/27 season onwards. 'Similar to the apple harvest, the pear harvest this year was also slightly lower, with a relatively high proportion of large-sized fruit. We are already through with the main volumes, but will continue to offer the food retail sector regional Conference and Xenia (Novembra) well into April,' he concludes.
Alessia pears on the tree
Visit the company at the Fruit Logistica at the stand of the Marktgemeinschaft Altes Land (MAL): Hall 20 / A-22.
Photo credit: Faby Fruchtgroßhandel GmbH & Co KG
For more information:
Jürgen Faby
Faby Fruchtgroßhandel GmbH & Co. KG
Sandhörn 1
21720 Steinkirchen
Tel.: +49 04142-819224
Fax: +49 04142-819222
[email protected]
www.fabyfrucht.de
