Situation in apple and pear European market in December 2008

Trade is steady (reds, braeburn and granny) to brisk (gala, golden and pinks) depending on the variety. Small apples are generally hard to find as trees have produced larger fruit and growers have thinned more aggressively to ensure larger and more profitable sizes.

 

The dessert pear market in general will be short supply until South African and South American green williams arrive in mid February. 

The market will remain firm due to the lack of conference pears. Extremely high prices will force people to trade into other varieties causing general price inflation. Conference is already nearly double the price it was last year and some markets will be completely dry in the new year. Small fruit is nearly impossible to find.