The arrival of apple in the market has started dropping wholesale market prices. The salutory effect of this will soon affect retail prices. Another important result of this development is that imports of apples, so far largely from the USA and New Zealand, have virtually come to a halt. Reports indicate that the prices have started low. It may be recalled that last season prices were ruling high in the absence of supply of imported apples. Market reports indicate that there is a bumper domestic crop during current season. The Shimla variety quoted in the range of Rs.350 –550 per 18 kg box against Rs.750-800 quoted same time last year. Post-December 2000 importers will begin to enter contracts with overseas apple suppliers to augment supply during lean months starting from January. In overseas markets, the trend is to import fruits in off-season, as reported. The imported apples are priced extremely high and this is mainly because import duty is as high as 56.56 per cent, as against 40 per cent last season. Last year apples were imported from USA and New Zealand. The imported apples were priced then at Rs.1,400 – 1,500 per box of 20kg whereas the local cold storage quality then was quoted at Rs.600-700 per box of 16-18 kg. This year apples may be imported from countries such as New Zealand, Australia, China, France, Italy, USA and Belgium., According to traders the reason, behind import is that these apples are sweeter, juicy and well preserved from farm to the market. |
|