Gala apples up for auction with first 2022 prices slightly lower than 2021

"We started auctioning the first Galas on 10 August, earlier than last year. The first prices were about 10 cents/kg lower than in 2021. The organoleptic quality is good, while the color of these lower valley fruits is not always as intense as other years," said Markus Tscholl, coordinator of Auction Fruit Alto Adige while taking stock of the first days of the auction with the Gala summer apple.

"There are four main reasons for these lower prices. First of all, the 2021 stocks of apples that are left over and are being sold at low prices. Second, German supermarket chains still have overseas product, so they are buying smaller quantities. In addition, slightly higher volumes of apples are expected in Europe for 2021, so demand is still tenuous. Finally, inflation is slowing consumption."

Fruit Auction estimates indicate a quantity decline in Galas of about 10%, a 7% decline in Golden, and 10% growth for Red Delicious. Fuji is expected to be stable (-1%).

With a number of customers that almost equals the number of producers (550 registered buyers and 760 producers), Asta Frutta Alto Adige represents a historical reality in the area, in the sale of apples, since the first experience dates back to 1960. The total area under the 760 producers exceeds 900 hectares, with an expected volume of about 45 thousand tons of apples.  

"We are GlobalGAP and Grasp certified, so we can export all over the world, and we sell all the production already during the harvest. On average, it does not take more than 24 hours from delivery to auction by the producer to sale. Auctions end with the last varieties around the end of October. The best lots are identified with the Select label, which guarantees ripening and coloring to the highest standards and maximum lot uniformity, with 75+ gauges for all varieties (70+ for Gala)," concluded the coordinator.