In our region, the fruit and vegetable trade from January to March is traditionally seen as a slow period. The hectic days surrounding Christmas are over, and the spring season, including Easter business, has yet to begin. The citrus campaign slowly winds down, and early spring starters like strawberries gradually make their way from the more southern regions of Europe to the point of sale (AMA reported).
However, the marketing of table apples operates differently. It really starts to gain momentum after the turn of the year. In the second half of the fiscal year (Jan-Jul), on average, about 25% more domestic table apples are sold than in the first half.
Export plays a significant role in both the conventional and organic segments. In years of full harvest, up to 40% of the predominantly Styrian yield leaves the country. This year, given the highly manageable harvest of 2023 (- 18% compared to 2022), the export rate is expected to be significantly lower.
The AMA wholesale price for domestic table apples in the conventional sector was on average 1.05 EUR/kg in January, a 4% decrease from the previous month. The price development within the reported variety spectrum was quite heterogeneous. The AMA inventory for table apples (organic and conventional) as of 01.01.2024 stood at 60,442 tons. This represents a strong decrease of 27% compared to the previous year, yet still sufficient to meet demand. However, there is likely to be little room for unplanned additional sales.
Source: AMA