Apple harvest to be higher this year

Chisinau, 13 August /MOLDPRES/- Prognosfruit has announced an 8-10% increase compared to 2020 in global production of concentrated apple juice, and its marketing prices are expected to be relatively similar to last year.

According to Iurie Fală, executive director of the Moldova Fruct Association, the country will harvest about 600,000 tons of apples this year.

"The apple harvest, according to the first estimates this year, is expected to be around 600 thousand tons, a quantity similar to that obtained in 2019 and 25% higher than in 2020. Rains and lower temperatures during the flowering period have affected to some extent the binding of fruit to some varieties, as well as the quality of apples, rains have made it difficult to carry out the necessary treatments, but in general, the harvest is expected to be higher than last year. The caliber of apples is expected to be normal, and the difference in temperatures between day and night will ensure a good coloring for red apples ", says Iurie Fală.

The specialist mentions that it is more difficult this year to make forecasts on apple exports in the new season.

"Certainly, they will be influenced by the increase in the supply of apples on the Russian market from local producers and those imported from countries such as Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and others. What is certain is that Moldovan apple producers and exporters need to pay more attention to their sales plans, actively seek alternative export markets and work to increase local consumption of fresh apples, "says Iurie Fală.

Moldova Fruct estimates that about half of the apple crop produced in 2021 will be delivered to processing companies.

Photo: Moldova Fruct