Golden Wing Mau Report on Apple Week 24, 2015

There remained an abundance of different apples on the market in week 24, with Royal Galacontinuing to be the most dominant variety followed by U.S.A and New Zealand produce. South African apples remain limited, in this the first season the protocol has been tested.

A stable Royal Gala market continued to prevail in week 24, with some importers gradually trying to push prices upwards to keep movement in line with stocks and arrivals. Premium specification Chilean produce showing a consistent good colouration was able to find move in the range ¥240-270 (count #100/113, 19kg), as most Extra Fancy priced and could move at between ¥210-230 (count #100/113, 19kg). New Zealand Royal Gala seeing a similar price level as week 23 and following the same trend as Chilean produce with some sellers trying to edge price levels upwards. High quality New Zealand produce packed in consistent brands continued to price at between ¥240-260 (count #90, 17.6kg), while limited South African Royal Gala showing a more Extra Fancy specification found movement at between ¥160-180 (count #110/120).

New Zealand Queen continued to see popular brands price much higher than the bulk of the arrivals, with high quality apples showing a strong red colouration, with limited marking and crisp eating pricing between ¥430-460 (count #70/80/90, 17.6kg), as most other fruits priced ¥60-90 lower keeping the market challenging for these arrivals.

U.S.A Red Delicious remains readily available in the market, with brand and first impression of visual quality a big determining factor on price. Although it continues to be seen that buyers criticize specifications of arrivals, some arrivals have shown problematic internals with containers said to have been rejected by customs in Shanghai. Premium specification produce that meets standards as well as packed in sought-after brands could find movement at between ¥250-270 (count #72/80, 20kg). This as other arrivals of Premium specification under scrutiny sometimes sold at below ¥190.

For the Chilean Royal Gala exports to China and Hong Kong, year to date volumes are up 31% at 524k cartons shipped. During the gap from week 15 through to 24 an average of 22,000 cartons have been sent perweek, with no consistent increase of departures yet visible.