Poor crop drives Polish apple juice concentrate prices to record highs
Poland’s largest apple harvest in Europe was largely completed by mid-October, earlier than in a typical year. In August, the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) forecasted apple production in Poland at 3.2 million tonnes for 2024, marking the second-lowest production level of the last decade.
The Expana Benchmark Price (EBP) for high-acidity apple juice is currently at an all-time high of €2,700 per metric tonne (MT) on October 31, representing a 48% year-on-year (y-o-y). Market players have indicated that sourcing high-acidity apple juice from Poland has been particularly challenging, prompting some buyers to turn to Ukraine, which has provided limited quantities. Market players estimate Polish production of apple juice concentrate at approximately 200,000 tonnes for the 2024/25 MY. Due to the tight supply of concentrate in Europe, only short or medium-term contracts are offered. The EBP for EU medium-acidity apple juice increased by 42% y-o-y to €2500/MT on October 31.
Despite higher prices, demand for apple juice in Europe remains strong. According to a market source, most buyers have already met their short-term requirements, with expectations that demand will resume towards the end of Q1 2025. Meanwhile, the cost of raw materials (apples) has declined by roughly 20% since November 21, to around PLN 0.90 per kilogram. Market sources suggest that this decrease in raw material costs could lead to a stabilization of apple juice prices in November, nevertheless apple juice concentrate supplies for the 2024/25 MY will remain tight in line with lower apple production.
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