European apple estimate down 21%
The 2017 European apple crop will reach only 80% of year-ago levels, according to World Apple and Pear Association member countries.
At 21% below the 2016 crop and 23% less than the three-year average, the association has pegged the 2017 European crop at 9.34 million metric tons, or 489 million 42-pound cartons, according to a news release. Of the total crop, about 324 million cartons are projected for the fresh market, according to the estimate.
At 1% below a year ago, the European pear crop is estimated at 2.15 million metric tons, or 105 million 45-pound cartons.
Apple details
According to the release, golden delicious output in Europe will decline 18% and gala volume will slip by 3%. The World Apple and Pear Association estimate said idared variety output will be down 30% and red delicious is projected 9% lower than a year ago. Club varieties are projected to decline 15%, according to the estimate.
Intense frost during blossoming and a drought during spring and early summer hurt some regions, according to the release.
Among other non-European producers, Russia is projected off 37%, Mexico down 30%, Canada off 5% and the U.S. about steady.
