Apricots Update...

Exports for March were 3,953 tons, compared to 9,383 tons last year.

Year to date exports were 36,824 tons compared to 88,644 tons last year.

Exports were in line with expectations, and 14% up on last month. April exports are expected to be similar or a little higher as there has been significant business concluded when prices dipped to season lows during March. Total export figures for the year are expected to reach 45,000 to 50,000 tons with zero carryover.

The bloom continues to face challenging weather conditions

Up to 10 cm of snow fell over the weekend in many growing areas

Following the frost on the early morning of 6th April when temperatures were recorded to –5C in the main growing area, the first half of last week saw temperatures climb to 20 C bringing many of the remaining trees into bloom, before temperatures tumbled 10 C or more over the past weekend, with night time temperatures recorded to –2 C (Darende) and with up to 10 cm of snow.

It is too early to put any reliable estimate on the 2015 crop, we certainly do not expect anything as bad as 2014, but there is damage, and unlike 2014, there will be no carry over cushion.

Since the frost the market has been withdrawn pending assessment of the damage. Due to the strong demand during March triggered when prices dipped ahead of the bloom, most of the remaining stocks of size 4 5 and 6 are now sold out, with only small quantities of larger sizes remaining uncommitted.

We look foreword to handling your inquiries via our Apricots trader James Weaire james@chelmerfoods.com or your usual account manager.