Bulgaria's apple production this season will be smaller than last year, reported producers in Plovdiv; by contrast, however, the quality of the fruit is better.
Krasimir Kumchev, who grows 100 acres of apple trees, reports the yield this year is 2 tonnes per hectare, which is about half of what was achieved in 2014.
"When we have a very productive year, the following year the trees decide to take a rest, figuratively speaking. Of course, this has to be adjusted during the pruning, to obtain an optimum yield, but the tree is in good condition."
80% of the production goes for direct consumption, and the rest for processing. The problem for Bulgarian producers is said to be the Russian embargo, which has resulted in the massive arrival of Polish apples and a consequent collapse in the price of the native fruit.
"In Poland, some varieties are harvested about a month later than ours. When Polish apples arrive, the price collapses, so we hurry to sell our apples before that happens," states Krasimir Kumchev.
Every year, Bulgarians consume about 120,000 tonnes of apples. Of these, 90 thousand tonnes are imported.
Bulgarian apples can be found on the market until the New Year. Then imports start from Greece, Italy and Poland.
