After the slower Christmas period, apple trading in Poland has started to go back to its usual levels, says Fruit-Group office manager Emilia Lewandowska: “The December month was a calm one, as we expected ahead of time. Every year, this month is focused on oranges and nectarines in the fruit and vegetable trade. We did resume our business after New Year’s and business has been good, as trade has returned to a satisfying level. Clients are now starting to order more, and for the upcoming months we are focused on long distance shipments, while the quality still allows for these longer transports.”
Despite the higher energy prices, there hasn’t been any panic in the apple market, Lewandowska explains. “We kind of expected apple sales to happen fast about four months ago, to avoid having to store the apples for longer periods of time. The idea was, that stocks would be down by quite a lot by the time December and January would be upon us. However, stocks and quantities of trade are looking stable at the moment, there is no panic on the market over the electricity costs. That said, the amount of apples sitting in the cold chambers is lower than it was around this time last year, but there hasn’t been a strong push among apple producers. The truth is that the higher costs of production will have to be compensated, partly by buyers as well.”
Lewandowska feels that the apple trade can go either way depending on a lot of variables and feels they’ll have to wait and see how the rest of the season hits. But the company does hope they’ll be able to increase their export volumes for both apples and blueberries in 2023: “It's very hard to predict what the situation will look like in a few months, as apples are fruits that are available throughout the entire year. There are changes for Poland when it comes to the cooperation with the Egyptian markets. If this all goes well, it would benefit our business for sure. But the main focus for the upcoming year will be to maintain our high standards and make sure consumers are happy with out fruit. Sales levels should be maintained in 2023 as well, but hopefully we’ll sell 10 per cent more, and even 20 per cent more when it comes to our blueberry trade!”
Fruit-Group will be exhibiting during Fruit Logistica 2023 in Berlin. You can find their stand in Hall 27, stand E10.
For more information:
Emilia Lewandowska
Fruit-Group SP.z.o.o.
Email: biuro@fruitgroup.pl
www.fruitgroup.pl