Price of US apple exports rises
United States
Thursday 13 March 2008
So far this season US apple exports have attracted prices about 10 per cent higher than last year, despite volumes remaining around the 29m-carton mark, according to the Washington Apple Commission (WAC).
The weak US dollar has prevented the higher prices from depressing sales, said the WAC's Rebecca Baerveldt. Average export prices rose 21 per cent from the 2005/06 season to the 2006/07 season.
Limited volumes of Red Delicious and a shortage of small fruit have cut sales to India and Europe by 41 per cent and 16 per cent respectively, while also affecting shipments to the Middle East. Red Delicious usually comprises 40-50 per cent of exports, but volumes are 16 per cent lower than last season.
Meanwhile, India, Russia, Thailand and Taiwan have all made dramatic gains in their share of Washington apple exports, she said, due to economic growth, retail sector expansion and consumers' demand for a high-quality product.
The weak US dollar has prevented the higher prices from depressing sales, said the WAC's Rebecca Baerveldt. Average export prices rose 21 per cent from the 2005/06 season to the 2006/07 season.
Limited volumes of Red Delicious and a shortage of small fruit have cut sales to India and Europe by 41 per cent and 16 per cent respectively, while also affecting shipments to the Middle East. Red Delicious usually comprises 40-50 per cent of exports, but volumes are 16 per cent lower than last season.
Meanwhile, India, Russia, Thailand and Taiwan have all made dramatic gains in their share of Washington apple exports, she said, due to economic growth, retail sector expansion and consumers' demand for a high-quality product.