Monday 2 October 2023 marks the beginning of the brand new British apple harvest. UK producers say that although there might not be an overwhelming yield however, the flavor and taste of the fresh season’s fruit is exceptional.
The most sunny June since 1957 was a guarantee that the young apples received the hours of sunshine they required to fully develop of flavor and taste. Particularly, the sun contributed to the development of naturally sweet sugars of the fresh season’s crops.
But, British apple production isn’t likely to reach the level of harvest of the previous year. Extreme heat and drought in 2022 have strained the trees and has caused a variety of harvest. There are apple trees that produce lots of fruit but others appearing smaller – sometimes even within an orchard with the same name.
Ali Capper, executive chair of British Apple & Pears Limited (BAPL): “Last year’s summer heat and a cooler spring of this year have proved difficult for UK producers. We’re still expecting an extremely good however, not an overwhelming production in 2023. Farmers are extremely pleased with the anticipated eating experience for the fresh-cut apple. The exceptional taste profile of British apple is kept.”
The challenges with the weather this year for UK growers are in addition to the ongoing rising costs in the business. “Growing and storage expenses continue to rise year on year,” explained Ali Capper. “With an expected crop that is smaller in 2023, that will mean that the cost per kilo will rise in the coming year.”
This season, BAPL announced the results from an research conducted by the consulting firms for farmers, Andersons which set the average cost for the production of a kilo British Gala apples at PS1.26.
“Unfortunately farmers aren’t yet able to feel the effects of cost pressures diminish. Prices for energy remain higher than they were months ago. Growers remain locked into contracts for energy. Pear and apple businesses don’t receive the help in the area of energy costs from the government, which other businesses sectors get,” added Capper.
“The growing pressures of cost have already led to a contraction of the most prestigious fruit industry. Members of our group are reporting the fact that Cox as well as Bramley orchards are being slammed. This is extremely alarming. It is imperative that supermarkets give a fair amount for our farmers in order to ensure the longevity of our agriculture,” added Capper.
In spite of the difficulties, BAPL members are working together with retailers to develop inside-store entertainment that highlights the finest of British best fruit. BAPL also has declared the month of October to be British Apple Month and will invest more than it did last year on social media marketing to promote awareness of the apples as a “superfood that’s hidden”.
“The advantages of apples for health are not often considered. However, recent statements by Michael Mosely – advocating an apple every day – as well as recent research in the field of science on quercetin’s health benefits have made the fruit an incredibly nutritious food,” claimed Ali Capper.
“We recognize that the British public are incredibly enthusiastic about this British apples industry. In the current year, there are more good reasons than ever before to eat the British apple daily. It’s not just to your taste buds, but also your heart, gut as well as your brain!”
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Louise Raisbeck
British Apples and Pears
Tel: +44 7966 688063
Email: social@britishapplesandpears.co.uk
www.britishapplesandpears.co.uk