Argentina’s apple and pear exports rise despite smaller crop

Although Argentina’s 2019/20 fresh apple and pear productions are projected to decrease to 480,000 tons and 550,000 tons respectively, the lower fruit supply in the Northern Hemisphere is set to boost exports during this campaign, according to USDA data. Apple exports are forecast at 100,000 tons and pear exports are projected to reach 300,000 tons.

Argentine apple and pear exports are primarily destined to overseas markets in the Northern Hemisphere (mainly Russia, the EU, and the US) in the first half of the year, while later in the year, exports are oriented toward Mercosur countries (mainly Brazil) and other Latin American markets.  The United States is a relatively stable market for Argentine apples and pears, especially for organic products. For 2018/19, exports totalled 111,000 tons (+15.9%) for apples and pear exports reached 310,000 tons (-3.2%) (Source: USDA).

The main apple varieties in production are Red Delicious (64%), Granny Smith (14%), Gala (13%), Cripps Pink/Pink Lady (6%) and others (3%). The main pear varieties are Packham’s Triumph (41%), D’Anjou (24%), Williams (16%), Abate Fetel (6%), Bosc (5%), and others (8%). (Source: Top Info Marketing S.A.)