French agricultural statistics service Agreste provides an update on apple and pear stocks, as well as producer prices, as the marketing year comes to an end.
"The marketing year is drawing to a close, but French apple stocks remain high (up 19% from 2023). On the other hand, there is virtually zero stocks of French pears. Producer prices for apples and pears remain high compared to last year and to the five-year average."
Apples: stocks and prices higher than in 2023
"At the end of June 2024, as the end of the marketing campaign approaches, apple stocks are up 19% from 2023, but down by 6% compared to the average for 2018 to 2022. For the Golden and Pink Lady varieties, marketing takes place later and stocks remain particularly high at this time of year. Varieties such as the Gala, Granny, Fuji and Canada are down. June releases are up for all varieties except for the Fuji and Granny apples.
Producer prices for apples in May were up 8% from 2023, and 16% higher than the average for the last five years. The cool weather is encouraging the consumption of this fruit to the detriment of summer fruits.
Total exports of French apples rose by 18% between August 2023 and May 2024 compared with the same period in 2022-2023. However, they are still 7% below the five-year average. Within the European Union, exports are particularly dynamic towards Italy and Germany. Exports to third countries like China, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom are also up.
Pears: virtually no stocks for most varieties
"At the end of June 2024, pear stocks were virtually nil. However, prices are higher than the 2018-2022 average. Producer prices for pears have remained high. In March, they were 12% above those of last year and 22% above the five-year average.
Between July 2023 and May 2024, exports to the European Union dropped by 33% from last year and by 23% compared with the 2018-2022 average. Sales to Belgium remain high, but they are declining in other European countries, with significant drops in Germany and Spain. Exports to third countries rose by 9%, but fell by 1% compared to the average for the last five years.
Source: Agreste
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