It is a bit early to be to precise about what to expect from this season's crop, but it assumed it will be average compared to the last five years. Last year the conditions were very good leading to big volumes, over 3 million tons. This, together with the poor harvest in The Netherlands and France created a higher price for Polish apples. Jan does not expect this to happen this year again, instead he expects prices to be somewhat lower.
Harvest dates will be weather dependent, however Jan expects to start in September with Gala apples. "Later such varieties as Champion, Jonagold, Gloster, Ligol, Elise, and Idared will follow. We also have Summer apples like Paulared or Delicates, which become available in August. I can easily say, the quality of the apples is high enough to supply our most demanding customers."The statistics show that Poland still has some volumes of apples available, however, not of the quantity one would expect. In the current year, Poland has had more apples but due to the high demand most of the fruit has been sold already. In the coldstores, about 150 - 200 thousand tones of apples are waiting to be sold. According to Jan this will be enough to supply regular clients through June and July.
As Western Europe grew less apples last season, Poland were able to export more apples to Russia compared to normal. We expect a growth of 7-10% in apple exports to Russia in comparison to last year.
Jan expects that exports to Russia for the 2013/14 season will be average, in line with previous years, "But this year shows, we can sell to other markets, and the quality of Polish apples are of as good quality as apples of France, Italy, the Netherlands or Germany. The Russian market still will be our no. 1 export destination."
This year was a good opportunity for Polish apples to be launched into new export markets. The Middle East and African countries were importing some of the first apples from Poland. "It has been a good season for Poland to show its varieties of apples, quality, freshness, reliability and service. Definitely, the positive aspect is that Poland has gained new good clients and new markets," concludes Jan.
For more information:
Jan NowakowskiGenesis Fresh
Tel: + 48 22 378 34 05
Tel/fax: + 48 22 414 41 01
E-mail: [email protected]
www.genesisfresh.com
