Brazilian growers were hoping for a record apple crop in terms of quality this year due to favorable weather conditions, but recent hailstorms have led to revised expectations for 2012 when the season starts in February.

Brazilian Apple Producers Association president Pierre Pérès has told website Valor.com.br that hail damages will lead to a 5% year-on-year decline in apple volumes.

He said the region of São Joaquim was the hardest hit with 45% of crops affected by hail, which will lead to a decline in productivity and quality.

The story reported the damages could lead to higher volumes of apples bound for processing, while Pérès said conditions have been good despite the hail as there were not many problems with pests or disease.

The São Joaquim harvest is set to begin in three weeks.

Related story: Brazil on track for record apple crop

Photo: Agricola Fraiburgosa

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