Faster access to overseas markets seen as vital, as association looks to develop new export markets in Asia and Latin America
Italy’s apple exports to the Middle East and Asia have received a timely boost following the gradual resumption of some shipping services via the Suez Canal.
The key transport route has effectively been off limits for a couple of years due to security risks in the Red Sea linked to the activities of Houthi militants.
As a result, since late 2023 ships have instead been obliged to travel around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.
According to Italian apple association Assomela, the situation has started to improve. “Exports to non-EU markets are proceeding smoothly, accompanied on the positive note by the slow but progressive reopening of the Suez Canal, through which some cargoes have begun to pass again, whereas in recent marketing seasons it had been virtually impassable, with significant repercussions on transport times and shipping costs,” it said in its latest seasonal update.
The association’s director Giovanni Missanelli said it would continue its work to open new commercial markets in third countries.
“We are monitoring potential new markets worldwide and are continuing institutional negotiations with the relevant authorities to open new trade channels,” he said. “We are confident that countries like Mexico, Argentina, and China, where Italian apples are still not arriving, will greatly appreciate and promote our product, which excels in quality and reliability.”
Positive start
Overall, sales have been positive since the start of the season, it noted, especially on the Italian market, with a decrease in stocks in line with the previous year.
Golden Delicious stocks are reportedly 3 per cent lower than the previous season, while sales have apparently increased by 8 per cent compared to the same period of 2024.
Italy’s apple production as of December stands at around 2.32mn tonnes, which the group describes as “slightly below, but generally in line with” last season’s crop.
At a regional level, however, there have been downturns in production in Piedmont (-10 per cent) and in Veneto, where despite better sizes the crop is 14 per cent smaller on the year due to hail.
Meanwhile, the country’s biggest apple-producing region South Tyrol recorded a slight increase of 2 per cent at 1.06mn tonnes, and Trentino grew 8 per cent to 517,313 tonnes.
Emilia-Romagna’s production has fallen by 3 per cent, Friuli’s recorded a 10 per cent decline, but Lombardy recovered ground with a 28 per cent increase.
“Overall, product quality is excellent for all varieties, and the quantity destined for the fresh market reached 2.04mn tonnes, a 2 per cent increase compared to last year and a 9 per cent increase compared to the average of the last three years,” the group added. “Organic apple production stood at 174,599 tonnes, a 6 per cent decrease compared to 2024.”
