For 2018/2019, apple and pear production in Argentina is forecast to increase over last year, despite lower planted areas. It will, however, remain below historical levels. Apple and pear exports are estimated to rise only marginally due to bigger stocks in the northern hemisphere. Domestic consumption for both fruits continues on a positive trend.
For 2018/2019, apple and pear production is forecast to increase to 530,000 metric tons (MT) and 580,000 MT, respectively. However, volumes are expected to be lower than historical levels due to the decrease in planted area that has been affecting the main apple and pear growing region in Argentina. Exports, although projected to rise to 100,000 MT for apples, and to 330,000 MT for pears, will fail to reach normal levels as large volumes of fruit are expected in northern hemisphere competing countries. Domestic consumption will increase in line with the production increase and as the country recovers gradually from the economic crisis.
Apple and pear production is concentrated in Patagonia’s Upper Valley of the provinces of Rio Negro (85 percent) and Neuquen (10 percent). The remaining 5 percent is located in the Valle de Uco in Mendoza province. Currently, the industry consists of approximately 2,300 producers, 270 packing houses, 260 cold storage facilities and 60,000 direct-hire employees, a notable reduction from the approximately 9,000 fruit producers of fifteen years ago.
