Market Information

The final figures for this year’s overall English Bramley crop have been calculated and they show an 18% reduction in total tonnage, compared with last year. Growers and marketing organisations estimate that the crop available for sale to the fresh market will be 9% lower than last year, which will result in supply barely meeting demand.

Sales to date this season reflect an abnormally large garden crop together with the usually warm weather during September and October. Sales are lower than at the same time last year, but in other parts of Europe sales have fallen even further and there it is suggested the reduction in demand is due to adverse publicity surrounding E.coli and the lack of cold weather.

In terms of retail activity, a key performer has been Sainsbury’s who have increased their share of the Bramley market from 23.4% to 29.6%. It is hoped that once temperatures fall, sales will begin to increase despite the tough economic climate facing many UK consumers and the large garden crop.