Wapa expects apple and pear yields to decline

Apple and pear production in countries in the southern hemisphere is expected to decline by 7 and 6 percent, respectively, in this harvest year compared to last year. This was announced by the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA).

The apple harvest is expected to be 7 percent lower than last year, by more than 4.8 million tons. Brazil (-30%) and Argentina (-11%) in particular expect a sharp decline in apple production. But production is also lower in Australia (-3%) and Chile (-2%). New Zealand and South Africa are the only countries where apple production is increasing (15 percent and 4 percent).

Chile will remain the largest producer of apples in the southern hemisphere countries this year, with more than 1.4 million tons, according to forecasts. It is followed by South Africa (1,163,000 tons), Brazil (900,000 tons), New Zealand (590,000 tons), Argentina (445,000 tons) and Australia (311,000 tons). With over 1.7 million tons, Gala remains the most widely grown species. However, a decrease in production of about 7 percent compared to last year is expected.

low production

The fact that the pear harvest in countries in the southern hemisphere is down 6 percent this year is due to reduced production in Argentina (-13 percent), Chile (-11 percent) and Australia (-6 percent). In New Zealand and South Africa, on the other hand, production is expected to increase by 31 and 5 percent.

Argentina remains the largest producer of pears with about 522,000 tons, followed by South Africa (492,000 tons). Chile (122 thousand tons), Australia (81 thousand tons) and New Zealand (11 thousand tons) are in the distance.

Packham’s Triumph is still the most popular variety at 444,000 tons, although down 4 percent compared to 2021. After Packhams’ victory, Williams pears (306,000 tons) are the most grown. Exports are expected to decline by 6 percent to a total of 641,207 tons. This is mainly due to a 14 percent drop in Argentine exports.