New challenges for Bramleys
Last year it was the Magners cider phenomenon that affected Bramley apple supply. This year the Bramley is facing slightly different challenges, according to successful grower and supplier of processed fruit fillings, Fourayes.
With unfavourable weather conditions contributing to smaller fruit sizes and lower than anticipated yields this season, the overall tonnage of Bramley available is down on projections for the year.
In addition, the market is facing a longer than usual selling period. 2006/2007 was an excellent year for Bramley consumption across the UK. With demand at abnormally high levels – partly thanks to the Magners effect – crop supply ran out a month early. This in effect has left a 13 month season for the current year.
Phil Acock, managing director at Fourayes, comments,“Last year we were contending with Magners as a significant number of Bramleys were lured to Ireland. Now, the market is facing a new challenge as crop yields have proved to be lower than hoped.
“Poor weather is one of the major factors. In May 2007 we were anticipating a good crop, but a cool August turned fortunes around and at one point apple growth almost came to a stop. It’s certainly not a season to waste any apples! We’re very fortunate at Fourayes to have a healthy store of apples built up to keep us going over the next year. We will still have to work hard on further purchases and we will continue to monitor supply carefully.
