The first volumes of 2006 Cape Royal Gala apples arrived in the Port of Sheerness on February 14, aboard the vessel the Snow Crystal.
The arrivals from the Orange Free State, the earliest growing region in South Africa are some five days behind last year.
“The Orange Free State is about two to three weeks ahead of the other areas in South Africa,” explained John Hopkins, top-fruit procurement manager with Capespan, pictured. “Further supplies from the Elgin/Vyeboom/Grabouw growing areas will be available from March 5.”
Capespan is expecting a 10 per cent increase in volumes of Granny Smith and Golden Delicious this season over last, and for Gala volumes to be in line with 2005. Fruit sizing is slightly smaller this year as well.
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