Christophe Belloc, President of Blue Whale, announced a late harvest mid-August, but it seems that apple producers have caught up with the delay and this year’s season should end around the 25th November. Mr Belloc has confirmed that, “The weather over the last few days has been favourable for the colouring, and the harvest is not only of good quality, but also more abundant.” The 2015 harvest has just begun and provisional production estimates reach 240,000 tons- identical to last year.
Alain Vialaret, Director of Blue Whale, says that it is a good harvest year with European production reaching 12 million tons, although European consumption only reaches 10 million. He also says that bad weather in Eastern Europe has damaged their fruit and they will have to be processed, “We are therefore under less European pressure, except for Italian apples which are on the market.” He explains that the current commercial situation is difficult as the 25% devaluation of the pound means that French apples are being sold for more in England, but that the retailers want to pay the same price. Mr Vialaret adds that “The English market represents about 10,000 tons of apples”.
Producers have been investing in their orchards and equipment in order to better adapt to the market and consumer needs. The first edition of “Apples for everyone’s taste” (La pomme pour tous les gouts) took place in October, and producers had the opportunity to meet consumers and explain the different tastes, shapes and colours.
Blue Whale is also developing their organic sector and working alongside the Cefel on having apples with no residue within the next 5 years. Blue Whale is France’s number one fruit producer. Currently apples are their main product with over 5,000 hectares, of which 150 hectares is organic. 1/3 of their production is in the South West, 1/3 in the South East and 1/3 in the Val de Loire. Blue Whale has 300 fruit producers and exports 80% of their production to over 500 clients in 80 countries (all produce). The earliest varieties are Gala and Golden apples, followed by Granny, Ariane etc- the latest are the Fuji and Pink Lady.
Producers sale prices should be stable this year thanks to quality of the harvest.