The pome fruit industry has issued an upbeat forecast for the year ahead thanks to increased rain in the majority of production areas.
“Cooler weather during spring and the flowering period has resulted in a good crop,” according to Jacques du Preez, general manager: trade & markets.
Overall, most apple varieties are expected to increase on the 2020 harvest. “Young orchards that will come into production, as well as the favourable weather conditions, have positively impacted the export crop estimate,” says Du Preez.
“An increase of 4% is expected on apples and 2% on pears. The increase in pears can be attributed to Packham’s Triumph volumes (+6%) and Abate Fetel returning to a normal yield.”
