February was characterized by above-average temperatures. In the eastern plains, growers observed extreme anomalies of up to +7.5 °C compared to the long-term average. This led to an unusually early start to the vegetation period. Depending on the location, stone fruit such as apricots began blooming up to four weeks earlier. Therefore, the risk of frost and associated dangers for fruit orchards are comparatively high. Additionally, the market entry of domestic vegetable crops from protected cultivation is happening earlier this year. Austrian asparagus from favorable locations is currently expected two to three weeks ahead of schedule.
Wholesale prices of Austrian apples stable, inventory dwindling
The average wholesale price of domestic apples in conventional farming remained virtually unchanged in February at EUR 1.07/kg, almost 15% above the previous year's level. The current market indicates that this price level is likely to remain stable in the medium term. Organic apples have also seen positive developments, with the average selling price increasing by 8% to EUR 1.55/kg compared to the previous month, a 7% increase over the previous year's figure.
As of February 1, the AMA inventory (conventional & organic) was around 53,500 tons. Given the manageable quantity, a clean harvest conclusion in late summer can already be anticipated.
Source: AMA