December 8 2006, 13:24

Polish apples are stored extremely poorly this season

"Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal has already informed that apple production increased 7% in 2006 in Poland. This fact was unexpected for many market players. Poland is one of the world largest exporters of fresh apples; this country is also the largest supplier of dessert apples to Ukrainian market. Due to these facts, the changes on Polish market influence world and Ukrainian prices for apples.

To the opinion of market players - the participants of the third international conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2006. Open Market", and also with reference to www.ebronisze.pl, the euphoria about great apple harvest is premature. Sugar content in Polish apples is higher than usual as a consequence of hot summer. The temperature was also high in the period of apple harvesting and storage in fall. As a result, apples are stored significantly worse than usually. To the opinion of some experts, apple losses during storage period can increase as high so that the production growth will be overlapped. So, according to evaluations of the analysts of the Agricultural Marketing Project, we should expect the further price growth for Polish dessert apples in January to March period.

Apple harvest in the EU countries has reduced 5% down to 10 mln. tons this year. According to the assessments of the Agricultural Marketing Project, apple harvest in Ukraine also decreased 3% comparing to the previous year. This situation has already led to the significant growth of inner prices on the background of the increased supply. Poland was one of the few EU countries where apple harvest has increased.