The first updates on the production and market situation were 
examined during the first Assomela Marketing Committee meeting of the season, discussed on 10 November.
Although the data are not yet definitive, especially for some regions and late varieties, the comparison with the main producers indicates an Italian production in line with what was expected in August, besides the natural fluctuations in some production areas. According to the updates as of 1 November 1 the national production should be around 2.1 million tons.
With regards to varieties, the production of the Golden Delicious is currently well below average and there is a new record both for the Gala and for the new varieties. As regards the Gala, the new plantings could bring this variety close to market saturation. The trend for the new club varieties is positive and confirms the consumers' appreciation of new varietal proposals.
The frosts, hail and the attacks of the Asian bug have impacted less than expected and only on limited areas, and the climate, not too hot, has allowed a good ripening of the fruits, which show an overall good caliber and good quality in all production regions. For these reasons, the volume of fresh market goods will be slightly higher than expected, amounting to just over 1.8 million tons - a value far below the average of recent seasons.
With regards to the organic farming, Italy announces a new production record with more than 185,000 tons, that is almost 9% of the total production.
Given the importance and development of the organic sector, Assomela set up a dedicated group for this segment, both at a national and international scale.
As for sales, the market started in a rather dynamic way, with good performances also in the first days of November, a quite calm month from the sales point of view. Decumulation plans have already been set up and sales are proceeding regularly in Italy, in the EU and also in non-European destinations, slower both because of the uncertainty linked to the Covid emergency and because there are still products available from the Southern Hemisphere.
Within the EU framework, the production volume is for now confirmed at about 10.7 million tons, with an important decrease of the French and Spanish production, which is favorable for Italian operators, both for the effects on direct trade with France and Spain, and for the likely less exports of the latter to destinations that could be served by quality Italian products.
The Italian apple 2020/21 season has started strong and, on this basis, the next months could progress with the same fluidity.