Stocks of Gala and Jazz in the UK are practically finished, but there are still volumes of Magic Star and Bramley in storage.
"The fruit has stored well this year with no major issues," according to Tony Harding, Technical and Procurement Director at Worldwide Fruit.
"Southern Hemisphere is in full supply across the range of varieties. There has been very limited Northern Hemisphere European involvement in the UK apple market in recent weeks. Conference pears from the Benelux countries continue to arrive, and stocks will meet up with new season fruit.
© Worldwide Fruit
Southern hemisphere imports
"There have been some minor quality issues with the early arrivals from RSA and New Zealand, but quality now seems good across the range of varieties.
"Importers are adjusting to the new norm in logistics, which is disruption on an ongoing basis. Longer voyages, departure delays, and diversions from destination ports are regular challenges. There appears to be good demand for the Southern Hemisphere crop from the global market. I think, like all importers, we are adjusting our ways of working and stock holding while building in the unreliability to our source planning. We need to ensure we have contingency and can manage potential quality & availability challenges that can manifest themselves with extended shipping lengths."
© Worldwide Fruit
Worldwide Fruit is sourcing from RSA, New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile at present. "We have varying season length engagements depending on price, fruit condition, and the variety offered. They all have a role to play to ensure we cover the full length of the supply with the most appropriate fruit."
Tony said that a dip in demand at this time of the year is normal when there is soft fruit and stone fruit available, but this is planned in, and the volume quickly returns in September once the UK volume is in the marketplace.
For more information:
Tony Harding
Worldwide Fruit
[email protected]
