N.Z. apples in Europe

Press, 7 June 1982, Page 4

N.Z. apples in Europe

NZPA London ' The price of New Zealand' apples is up 40 per cent on last year in European wholesale markets, after poor seasons in several countries. But the Apple and Pear Board's manager for Europe, Mr Neil Guymer, said that the market was entering a critical situation, as Europe sweltered in a heat wave and customers' thoughts turned to strawberries and cream. The board has already sold 45 per cent of the expected 72,000 ■ tonnes being shipped to Europe and the Middle East this year. “We are not home yet. but it looks good." said Mr Guymer. A late run of apples from Argentina and Chile to Europe has put pressure on

prices in the last week. It has been compounded by arrivals from South Africa, where there was an unusually late season. "They have made their run late and they are coming in quantity. It is all creating a little anxiety and exerting some pressure on price, but we are still in profit," said Mr Guymer. New Zealand apple sales in Europe last year were worth $7O million.’ This year the board has sold 3000 tonnes to Saudi Arabia, worth about $2.5 million. "The large sale to Saudi Arabia has been a valuable breakthrough, absorbing a large volume of Golden Delicious, although they prefer Reds," he said.

t The board expects to sell i about 55,000 tonnes to E.E.C. . countries, and about 14.000 ■ tonnes to Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria,' and Switi zerland. About 100,000 cari tons of pears will be sold in i Europe, a slight increase on ; last year. I Apple prices have been 1 boosted this year by a drop in the supply from France, > one of the biggest E.E.C. ! exporters, where stocks are • reported to have virtually 1 dried up. “Last year we were in competition with France i right through to August." > said Mr Guymer. Britain, France, and Germany were all affected by snow and hail last year. German producers reported

apple stocks of about 3000 tonnes last month, compared with 28,500 tonnes at the same time last year. Stocks in Italy, another E.E.C. exporter. were reported to be down 50 per cent. Mr Guymer, who has been keen to boost the sales of Cox's Orange, said that it was "a real winner here this year." because Britain had only 50 per cent of its crop, which finished very early. “We came on to a bare market hungry for Cox’s Orange and we have kept there ever since," he said. "The big question now is whether we can keep the level of profitability. I think there is likely to be some easing back on prices, but we will still be in profit."