The major Brazilian apple-growing region of Rio Grande do Sul is expecting apple harvests this year to fall 6.9% to 400,000 metric tons (MT), website Correiodopovo.com.br reported.

The fall from last year's harvest of 430,000MT was mainly due to hail storms which affected 20% of orchards, cutting back production from an expected 450,000MT in 2011, the story reported.

On a more positive note, lower yields and good quality meant apple producers were able to fetch prices that were 25% higher than in 2010, the story reported.

Agapomi Blaise Castelet told Correio do Povo the Fuji variety was not hit by hail with harvesting due for completion in the coming week, Gala apples were of excellent quality this season, while Pink Lady harvesting would begin in 15 days.

The story reported Brazil's expected total apple production this year would be 900,000MT.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com