Frosts in Eastern Europe could double apple prices in the new season

In recent days, experts have expressed serious concerns about the state of the upcoming harvest in Poland. Due to spring frosts, the country risks losing up to half of its apple production, writes FreshPlaza.

Tony Dervael from Bel’Export emphasizes that although it is still too early to make final forecasts, the situation should be taken as seriously as possible.

Poland is the largest apple producer in the EU with a normal harvest of 4-5 million tons. Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus add more than 2 million tons – and they have also suffered. Not only apples, but also berries and plums have been hit. According to industry data, the reduction in the harvest could be 30-50 percent.

According to Tony Dervael, European apple production could decrease by at least 2 million tons. As a result, the total harvest risks falling below the consumption level of 10 million tons. A similar situation was already observed in 1991, when the harvest was about 9 million tons, and a deficit of about 2 million tons led to a twofold increase in prices even for apples of the old harvest.

The current situation may partially support the market, since significant volumes of apples from the previous season still remain in warehouses. It is these stocks that are currently exerting pressure on prices and holding back the market. However, a possible shortage of the new harvest in Eastern Europe can change the situation and weaken the price pressure.

The problems of Eastern Europe may seriously change the structure of fruit trade. This region has traditionally supplied products to markets, including Russia. If production volumes decrease, other countries will have to compensate for the resulting deficit.

The consequences for the pear market are expected to be less extensive. Eastern Europe is not a key player in this segment, although Poland produces about 100 thousand tons of pears every year. Even if volumes are cut in half, the impact on the market will be noticeable, but much less dramatic than in the case of apples.

Tags: Poland, apples, prices