Apple prices stabilising
Christmas time is apple time. Not least because of the great diversity of varieties and the consistently first-class quality, domestic products are very well received by the consumer. Whether they come in Nikolosackerl, as a baked apple or as a Christmas tree decoration, apples were used in many households for Christmas purposes. But even the overall good holidays' sales were too weak to sustainably bring relief on the market.
The average wholesale price for apples at the loading dock, without VAT, Class I, regardless of sorting and packaging, was € 0.64 / kg in December, about 25% down compared to last year's numbers. Nevertheless, prices were slightly stronger at the start of the new year, at +5% compared to November.
Commodity pressure remains high both nationally and from neighboring countries. Throughout Europe, the market remains extremely tense. The stored quantities of dessert apples have dropped by 122.550 tons, as of 1 November. Large quantities are likely to have flowed into processing instead of the fresh market in 2018.
Nationwide, the Agrarmarkt Austria inventory of dessert apples KLI I had declined by 8,480 tons to approx. 14,080 tons in December, and if one follows the figures, sales are some 1,000 tons higher this year than in the corresponding period last year.
Carrot market balanced out before holidays
The Lower Austrian carrot market was largely balanced out in December. A demand-oriented supply met with satisfactory domestic demand. The prices for carrots packed in a 5 kg container from the ramp were unaffected by the Christmas business and remained stable at December's average of 42.50 EUR per ton, unchanged from the previous month. Exports could only be managed peripherally.
Soaring onion prices continue
Another month with price changes for Lower Austrian onions. The producer price for loose bulbs, sorted into crates at the beginning of December was at a strong 32-36 EUR per ton. Of course, the Christmas holidays did not detract from the price movements. Demand was unbroken despite limited availability and more price corrections were done by the marketers in the course of the month.
In the third week of December, according to the Lower Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, producer prices rose to 36-40 EUR per ton, a whopping 170% above last year levels. Due to constant demand from export markets, domestic customers are forced to go with these prices.
Price increase for potatoes
No news from the potato front. As before, losses in quality are strongly affecting local marketers. As storage time progressed, the condition of the produce did not improve. Pressure points and rapid physiological ageing result in persisting high sorting costs. The expected large price increase before Christmas has not occurred to date. Potatoes from the Lower and Upper Austrian fields are for the most part taken over for 22 EUR per ton. Only wire-worm-free, small packable premium goods with the AMA seal of approval could increase from 24 EUR to 29 EUR per ton at the end of the month. The export market was hardly serviced, given the rapidly dwindling stockpiles. Price increases, even for standard goods, are expected in the not too distant future.
