The Russian apple harvest is expected to match last year's 1.2 million tons, as reported by Tamara Reshetnikova, CEO of "Technologies of Growth." While regions like Lipetsk, Voronezh, and Belgorod boast good-quality apples, climatic challenges in the south affected the quality, particularly for "Granny Smith" and "Golden Delicious" varieties.
Weather issues and a lack of seasonal labour led to a notable blush in apples in Krasnodar, Stavropol, Crimea, and Dagestan, prompting local growers to seek temporary revisions to quality standards. They argue that the colouration doesn't impact taste, fearing strict criteria could raise retail prices.
Some orchards in Central Chernozem and the South still have apples, but frost may hinder collection. Despite potential challenges, favourable weather allowed timely harvesting. Now, the focus is on short-term storage until New Year's and long-term storage until spring. Reshetnikova suggests major producers can store 30-50% of the harvest for profitable spring sales.
Despite the domestic harvest, Moldovan apples are already in Russian stores. Importantly, there's a decrease in Central Asian imports, signalling shifts in the autumn fruit market.
source: agro2b.ru