Apples - in Poland the season is gaining momentum, while Kazakhstan suspends imports.
The apple harvesting season in Poland is in full swing, with a growing variety of apple types hitting the market. Early varieties such as Paulared, Celesta, and Piros are still available, now joined by a rapidly increasing supply of Gala, Delikates, Lobo, and Cortland. Remarkably, last year's apples are still being offered, thanks to storage rooms that have just been opened.
The early onset of the harvest season for autumn varieties has led to an accumulation of supply, exerting downward pressure on apple prices in the Polish wholesale market. This pressure is particularly noticeable in the case of Gala apples. Currently, summer varieties are being sold at large wholesale markets for 1.70-2.20 PLN/kg (0.40-0.51 EUR/kg), marking about a 10% price drop in recent days. Later varieties like Lobo are priced at 2.00-2.80 PLN/kg (0.47-0.65 EUR/kg), and Gala is at 2.00-2.50 PLN/kg (0.47-0.58 EUR/kg) for size 70+.
The supply increase is relatively significant, but it is important to note that this does not mean there is an abundance of apples. The relative increase is sufficient to apply price pressure, particularly given the early and unexpected surge in Gala's market presence.
Adding to this situation is the recent news from Kazakhstan, where the government has imposed a ban on apple imports to protect the local industry during a season of high yields. This ban, effective from the beginning of September until at least the end of the year, could affect Polish apple prices. Kazakhstan has been a key importer of Polish apples in recent years, and the loss of 10,000 tons that would not be exported from September to December is noteworthy.
However, considering that Poland's apple harvest is expected to be significantly lower this year—about 700,000 tons less than last year and 1.1 million tons less than two years ago—the impact of this ban may be limited, assuming it is not extended. Nonetheless, market dynamics, price speculation, and the psychological reactions of producers could still influence apple prices on the Polish market.