Poor weather conditions have had a significant effect on apple production in the Tunisian region of Kasserine, which accounts for 40 per cent of national production.

Harvesting is just about to commence, but the region’s apple growers expect volumes to be down by some 10,000 tonnes this year, according to French weekly FLD, at 35,000 tonnes compared with last season’s 45,000 tonnes.

However, FLD reports, despite this drop in apple volumes, production of other fruit varieties has accelerated in Kasserine, with more apricots, peaches, melons and pears being exported, principally to Europe and the Maghreb.