EU apple and pear growers are set to produce less fruit this year, after the Russian import embargo and large volumes helped push down returns by 20% in the last campaign.

In a release, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) announced EU apple production would be 5% lower year-on-year at 11.974 million metric tons (MT), while pear output would be down 4% at 2.343 million MT.

In terms of apple varieties, increases are expected for Red Delicious with 5% more fruit, Galas will remain stable, and decreases are in store for Golden Delicious (-5%) and Idared (-7%). And while the volume is down on last year, it must be noted cultivation last year was up 15% on the 2013 season.

Leading supplier Poland is set to have the same volume of 3.75 million MT, representing almost a third of the offering. The country is followed by Italy which is forecasting a 5% drop in production, and France which is set for a 10% increase.

In pears, the volume is 6% higher than the average crop over the last three years, with fluctuations depending on the cultivar. Abate Fetel production is due to rise by 7% and Williams pears are set to increase by 5%. In contrast, Conference pear volume will likely fall by 4%.

Italy will likely continue to lead European pear production with a minor decline in volume, followed by Spain and the Netherlands which are both estimated to have 6% less fruit.

In the release, WAPA highlighted the 2015 apple and pear crop promised to be of good quality given the generally favorable climatic conditions and overall fruit size.

While European countries were able to sell their entire crops earlier than planned at the end of last season, with the help of strong promotional activities, returns fell by 20% on average with many growers suffering losses.

WAPA noted support measures from the EU resulted in 250,000MT of apples and pears being removed from the market for free distribution, and producers also benefited from the lower exchange rate value of the euro which helped exports.

"The European apple crop last year was 15% higher than 2013, whilst pears were 5% greater. The industry had to contend with the ban imposed by Russia, but despite these two factors, the industry sold the entire crops earlier than expected," said Copa-Cogeca fruit and vegetable committee chairman Hans van Es.

"The ongoing support from the European Commission to alleviate the effects of the Russian embargo is greatly appreciated by the industry. However, the reduction in returns to growers is a considerable concern which unless corrected during the coming season will have an adverse impact on future investment and production."

Outside the EU, WAPA highlighted other significant changes in apple production from Russia (4%), China (7.5%), the Ukraine (16%), the U.S. (-4%), Switzerland (-4%) and Canada (-26%). For pears, changes in volume are expected for the U.S. (1%), China (7.5%), Turkey (36%), Russia (4%), the Ukraine (7%) and Switzerland (-11%).

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