The unfavourable weather which has been affecting crops around the world are now also negatively affecting the South African apple crop.
The South African apple and pear industry has announced a steep reduction in the total export crop forecast for apples after weeks of intense heat which took a toll on crops in most of the production regions. The pear crop, however, dropped only marginally.
The apple export crop estimate is just short of 23 million cartons, which is 14% or 3,6 million cartons less than last years crop. The pear export crop is now expected to come in at 14,3 million cartons, which is marginally lower than last years 13,8 million carton export crop.
An industry statement says the early and mid season apple cultivars such as the Gala group and Golden Delicious have been badly affected. Gala will be down 21% compared with last year and Golden Delicious 20%.
Current expectations for the late season varieties are that Granny Smith will be 15% less than last year. Pink Lady / Cripps' Pink, and Sundowner / Cripps' Red is expected to increase by 1% compared with last year.
This means that the 2010 export crop will be at the same level as 2007, following much better crops in 2008 and 2009.
This brings the apple crop down to a level similar to 2007 after two excellent crops in 2009 and 2008, with the latter being the biggest crop the last 5 years.
Anton Rabe, Executive Director of Hortgro Services says the effect of the protracted and cool spring and the recent heat wave has only now manifested itself. “It appears that orchard culls are more severe than originally estimated, with sunburn being a major contributing factor which is reducing export pack outs.”
He says although the total supplies are less than originally expected, export programs in key markets should not be affected much.
He says although Northern Hemisphere stock levels are up on the same time last year, it seems as if the tempo of stock reduction is increasing. It is evident that although total world apple and pear supplies are in line with 2009, the tight market conditions may only refer to a few cultivars. “Luckily these figures also confirm that the outlook for the unique SA basket looks fairly favourable.”
He says there are now opportunities to capitalise on the reduced supplies for most South African cultivars during the traditional Southern Hemisphere marketing season in order to mitigate the strong South African currency which is putting severe pressure on producer payments”.
The South African Rand have been trading below the R10.00 mark to the Euro this week, which is means that growers are earning almost R3.00 per Euro less compared to the levels they could cover last years crop. Against the British Pound the SA Rand are now trading just above R11.00 compared to over R14,.00 last year.
brings the apple crop down to a level similar to 2007 after two excellent crops in 2009 and 2008, with the latter being the biggest crop the last 5 years.
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