Larger stocks of European apples compared with last year are pushing prices downwards and are expected to delay the start of the Southern Hemisphere apple season, according to new information released by New Zealand industry body Pipfruit NZ.
The organisation revealed that European stocks are up on last year, with Italian Gala in storage still amounting to 21,000 tonnes.
As a result, the switch to Southern Hemisphere apples is likely to be delayed 'by a week or two', said a spokesperson for Pipfruit NZ.
The first Gala from other Southern Hemisphere origins has now arrived in Europe and is selling at between €14 and €17.50, some 10 per cent lower than in 2008.
First sales of South African Gala in the UK are reportedly at prices 10 per cent lower than last year.
However, the pressure on prices appears to be from European stocks rather than an influx of overseas product.
Total Gala imports into the EU are running behind 2008 largely because Brazil’s shipments are 80 per cent lower to date.
Ian Palmer, chairman of Pipfruit NZ, said New Zealand's own Gala output had proven to be strong at the start of this year's harvesting period.
'This season we have seen Royal Gala come on rapidly, certainly testing harvest logistics at times,' he revealed. 'General reports I have received are that growers have managed the intense harvest very well.'
Pipfruit NZ is currently forecasting a 5.83m cartons of Royal Gala this year, compared with 5.81m in 2008, although Mr Palmer suggested this might be revised.
'At this early stage, I am expecting the Royal Gala volume to be a bit back on estimate, as there is a slightly lighter crop in the Nelson region,' he said.
According to Pipfruit NZ, European Pink Lady stocks will last until late May.
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