Market Summary

Cumulatively, since the start of the season last August, volume sales of fresh Bramley to multiples are 2.2% higher than last year. This is despite the huge boost to sales, particularly in February and March last year, due to the publicity surrounding the Bramley Bicentenary. Indeed, an analysis of sales in the last five years shows a trend of steadily increasing sales of fresh Bramley indicating that the Campaign’s activities combined with the exhortations to eat more fresh produce are causing a continual increase in consumption.

Currently, stocks for the fresh market are adequate although there will be a tightening of supplies as the summer progresses. Since January, gradeouts have gradually improved as was forecast but there are likely to be some stock shortages in July.

The juice market internationally continues to be depressed and demand from the cider industry in Northern Ireland is reported to have reduced by more than 70% from its peak three years ago. This has adversely affected the processing market but there are signs now of an improving balance between demand and supply.