Poland's apple juice concentrate production is currently facing limitations due to a scarcity of cold-store apple stocks. Most available apple stocks are being directed towards fresh markets, leaving processors with only the 'pick out' fruit suitable for Not from Concentrate (NFC) juice production. Market sources anticipate relief in September with the arrival of the new crop, but until then, the restricted supply continues to support the higher prices.
The Mintec Benchmark price for medium acid apple juice stands at €1,550/mt, up 2.3% since June. High-acid juice supplies in Europe are also scarce; the Mintec Benchmark Price for high-acid juice sits at €1,600/mt. Market reports indicate that a substantial portion of the demand for apple juice concentrate in Europe comes from the US, while demand in Europe remains relatively quiet.
According to the USDA, global apple production for 2022/2023 MY is forecast to decline by 5% primarily due to weather-induced losses in China. However, the European Union (EU) is projected to increase by 4% compared to the 2021/2022 MY, to 12.8 million tonnes.