Latest crop forecast from Afrucat points to a positive campaign, with good quality and receptive markets
A good quality crop and low stock levels augur well for the new Catalan apple and pear marketing season. However, a series of hailstorms will prevent the region from reaching its full productive potential.
This was the latest forecast issued by Catalan fruit association Afrucat on Tuesday. Its general director, Manel Simon, said: “Although some producers have been seriously affected by hail, the early occurrence of the hailstorms has allowed us to forecast a campaign with acceptable volumes and very good fruit quality.
Cold storage rooms are empty due to the low production from the previous season. Nothing points towards a market collapse, but rather an orderly and satisfying season.”
Joan Serentill, president of Afrucat’s Apple and Pear Committee, noted that in the case of pears, good sizes and brix levels will be well received by the market.
The Catalan apple crop is set to weigh in at 260,790 tonnes, 4 per cent down on last year but 3 per cent higher than the average for the last five years. Regarding varieties, production of the Granny group is forecast to grow 6 per cent on 2024, while new varieties such as Tutti are also set to rise considerably.
Afrucat said overall, harvesting is expected to be delayed by 3-7 days, although in some areas of Lleida, the harvest will begin on normal dates.
Pear production has bounced back after last year’s shortfall and is estimated to 47 per cent higher than in 2024 but 4 per cent below the five-year average. The variety that has recovered the most is the Conference, which will see a 90 per cent increase in volume compared to last year.
Depending on the region, the harvest is expected to be delayed by 3 to 10 days, and in others, it will be on normal dates.
