The Polish apples are doing better in 2023 than they were doing in December of last year. Mateusz Wajnert, head of sales for Polish apple exporter Galster, states there is good demand for the export varieties at the moment.
“After a slow December, it’s been a good time ever since. There has been very strong demand over the last few weeks and most of our markets are being supplied in a smoothly manner at the moment. The strong demand can be seen for the most popular export varieties, such as Gala Royal, Red Chief and Golden and the apples must be in good condition for our clients.”
Although stocks levels are about the same as they were last year, this time of year, Wajnert feels they could be selling more apples than they have in stock, as the demand is there: “For our company, we’re seeing similar apple stocks compared to the previous season around this time. We do have more possibilities to sell larger volumes of apples than we have in our own stock, when looking at the popular export varieties. Because of this, Galster would like to work together with more growers and have a solid partnership. We could help them with good farm management and expertise, while also being able to sell their harvest for them. We’re working on the details for this, to have more export volumes for our customers in the future.”
Wajnert states that apple growers that are not cultivating the popular export varieties could be having a rough time this season. “The prices for apples vary per variety. Popular export varieties have good price, while unpopular export varieties perform poorly. So the traders that have popular export varieties of good quality in stock, will be absolutely fine. Those who grow the lesser popular varieties might have a harder time this year. Prices of packaging, energy and employees have grown exponentially in recent years, and continue to grow even further.”
“The Fruit Logistica exhibition in Berlin was a good occasion to discuss current issues with our clients and plan activities for the coming months. But the most important aspect of the trade show was to meet our customers face to face, talk not only business, but also keep a good friendship; this is the way we work,” Wajnert concludes.
