2017 vs 2016 year on year figures:
APPLES
Apple exportable fruit estimates are up generally with predictions for the following increases:
+ 2 % for Golden Delicious;
+ 3 % for Royal Gala /Gala
+ 1 % for Granny Smith
+6 % for both Cripps pink and Pink Lady varieties
0% growth is foreseen for Top red /Starking
An overall growth of about 3 % is expected for the total crop
PEARS
Pear varietals will see only small increases for the main line varieties
+3% for Packhams
+3% for Forelle
+5% for Abate Fetel
with no change for Vermont Beauty Volumes..
First Royal Gala and Panorama goldens are being picked in week 4 and 5 respectively . Volumes are small at this stage and colour on the red apples appears to be pretty varied .
STONE FRUIT
APRICOTS:
Total apricot volumes realised were 11% up on the previous season mainly due to increased volumes of Charisma and Imperial/Palsteyn.
NECTARINES:
Projected increase of 4% is expected on the export volumes for nectarines for the 2016/2017 season. This is the result of young orchards coming into production .
PLUMS:
Projected increase of 11% is expected on the export volumes for plums for the 2016/2017 season. This is the result of young orchards coming into production.
Production is currently running about a week later than past years.