European apple crop estimates point to a significant decline of 21% over the previous season and 23% less than the average of the last three years, as reported in the International congress Prognosfruit, which has been held in Lleida from 9th to 11th August. Frost and hail that have severely damaged Poland, the largest European apple producer, whose harvest would fall by 29%, is the main cause of this decline. For the pear, a crop reduction of 1% is estimated, which affects mainly the Conference variety, mainly in Belgium and Holland, also due to adverse weather.
In total, it is estimated that the European apple harvest will reach 9,300,000 tonnes, with Golden being the most declining variety in volume, with 18% less of its production.
These downward forecasts encourage a climate of optimism among those attending the congress and the opportunity to be able to better manage the offer and obtain higher prices. Also apple for industry is expected to be able to improve their quotes
Pear forecasts put the volume for the next season at 2,150,000 tonnes, 1% below the previous year and 8% below the average of the last 3 years.
The variety most affected in volume by this decrease has been the Pear Conference, mainly in Belgium and Holland because of inclement weather. In this case, Spain maintains its forecasts at the same level as last year.
According to Manel Simon, general manager of the Business Association of Fruit of Catalonia (Afrucat), this difference in the forecasts of pear with respect to Belgium and Holland “has to allow us to take advantage of the conjuncture to make the trade more fluid and the prices more dignified”.
According to the director of the World Association of Apples and Pears (WAPA), Philippe Binard, “the data provide a scenario with a win-win equilibrium without detriment to the consumer”.
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Source: Afrucat
