The results of the enquiry by Agreste show that the decrease in the stock of apples and pears in France has increased at the end of December 2011. The quantity of apples and pears in stock is close to that at the end of December 2010. The stock of apples at the end of 2011 was 15% larger than at the end of 2010. This is partly the result of a larger crop in 2011. Prospects at the 1st of November indicated that the 2011 production would increase by 4% compared to 2010 and by 2% compared to the average of the last five years.
At the end of July the first early apples were picked in Provence, two weeks earlier than normal. The export in August was more dynamic than the local market. In September the trading supply increased, but sales to the European markets decreased. The industrial and the far away export markets remained. This tendency continued during the months of October and November. December showed a positive final spurt. Trading was 30% larger than in the same period the previous year. This was mainly the result of export.
Prices were 13% lower than the average of the last five years, with substantial differences in varieties (-18% for Golden and -4% for Gala). Prices improved in November, although they remained 4% below the average price of the last five years. In December prices remained stable.
Prices were 13% lower than the average of the last five years, with substantial differences in varieties (-18% for Golden and -4% for Gala). Prices improved in November, although they remained 4% below the average price of the last five years. In December prices remained stable.
At the end of December 2011 the stock of pears was almost the same as in the previous year. Prospects of 1st November indicated an increase in the production of pears by 7% in 2011 compared to 2010. Prognosfruit mentioned an increase in European production of 11% compared to the previous year (2010 showed a very weak production) and with 3% compared to the average of the last five years. The stocks consisted for two thirds of the varieties Conference and Doyenne du Comice. The harvest started with a lead, but quickly fell behind.
In July the price was 15% below the average of the last five years. In August much of the crop went for processing. The Netherlands and Belgium caused an increase in competition in regards to export in September. Also local sales were unstable because of the summer period. Prices were 17% lower than the five-year average. In October the competition with the Netherlands decreased causing the price of the variety Conference to improve. Nevertheless the price was still 8% below that of the five-year average. In November and December prices stabilised somewhat.
Source: Prognosfruit