A fine Pink Lady harvest, despite the April frost

According to the latest information, the end of the Pink Lady apple harvests in France was scheduled for 25 November 2021. On a continental scale, the Pink Lady Europe Association is reckoning on a harvest of 160 000 to 165 000 tonnes, down 20 % from last year, across a total of 5 000 ha, depending on the timing. In 2020, the harvest reached 205 000 tonnes, a record season. The situation varies between the production areas, according to their degree of frost protection during the devastating cold spell in early April 2021. Losses should be around 15 % to 20 % according to the areas. The association estimates that Pink Lady volumes will be smaller than announced by WAPA in early August 2021 (i.e. -12 %), at 225 000 to 235 000 gross tonnes of Cripps Pink.

In the South-East, the harvest has ended up with good volumes, despite the frost and hail damage. Volumes will be slightly down (-15 %), with sizes 70-80 predominating. In Val de Loire, the harvest is reportedly at full potential, though the sizing will be smaller, with 65-75 in the majority. In the South-West, the orchards suffered more frost damage, and due to lack of thinning, small sizes are predominant.

In Italy, the number two European Pink Lady producer, the harvest will be smaller (-15%) as in France, with disparities between the regions. Spain, the number three producer, is set for a good harvest.

Regarding the sizing, 70 % of the harvest should be 70-80. Larger sizing is expected in South-East France and Italy. Regarding degrees Brix, the harvest is mainly set for 13° and 14°Brix, i.e. a fine quality.

Operators have announced a price rise of 5 to 10 eurocents per kilo from last year.