Apple prices 'set to soar'

Apple growers have been hit by bad weather

A global apple shortage is looming after bad weather has decimated orchards in the US, Australia and New Zealand, according to a report in the South African newspaper Business Day.

"Consumers are going to be paying noticeably more for apples next year," Kobus du Preez, pack-house manager at Maluti Fruit Cooperative in Free State in South Africa told the paper.

The shortage should send South African apple exports soaring in 2003, Mr du Preez predicted.

"It is almost certain that South Africa will see exports rise markedly, perhaps as much as 20%," Mr du Preez was quoted as saying.

Weak supply

The Maluti Fruit Cooperative is gearing up to meet the rise in demand and to profit from the higher prices for its apples, though Mr du Preez warned that a stronger rand could eat into its profits.

Maluti did not expect its competitors on the Western Cape to be able to take advantage of rising demand and higher prices.

The Cape-produced supply of Granny Smiths and Golden Delicious apples is believed to have fallen 25% this year.

Maluti grows new-variety apples such as Sundowners, Pink Lady and Royal Gala.

Charles Hughes, managing director of TrueCape - a fruit exporter in South Africa - told the BBC's World Business Report consumers may notice a shortage in some apple and pear varieties next year.