Russia's ban on European goods had European apples growers worried, especially Polish growers, who are responsible for the bulk of the continent's apple production. But shippers there have found new markets for their apples, and that work has paid off in the form of better returns.
“It was difficult at the beginning of the Russian ban, but now it's not that bad,” said Patrycja Bilinska of Galster. “We are now sending to Hong Kong, Angola, Algeria, and we sent apples to Saudi Arabia and India last year. Prices are good in those markets, or else we wouldn't be sending apples there.”
Drought conditions affected apple production in Poland this season. That made for smaller sizing on some varieties, but Patrycja explained that this hasn't affected sales. Overall, business has been good on all fronts this season, and even the industry market has been better than it was last season.
“The industry apple market was bad last year because the apples were just falling off the trees due to a lack of rain,” said Patrycja. “Sizes were also very small, and we can't sell them if they're too small. But now prices are okay, and prices for some varieties are up to twice as high as prices from last year.” There was some frost damage to ston fruit orchards in the country, but apple growers seem to have avoided any harm.
“At the moment our main varieties are Jonagold, Jonagold Red, Champion and Idared,” noted Patrycja. “We should also have Red Prince, Gala Royals and Gala Mast for the beginning of next year.”
