British Apples and Pears Limited has warned of the impact of significant cost rises on top fruit growers, which are adding to the pressures already created by challenging weather conditioners earlier in the season.
According to BAPL, the last few months have seen 25 to 30 per cent increases in cardboard prices, together with increases in haulage costs of 10-12 per cent, and packaging cost rises of at least 10 per cent, and reports suggest that the price of these inputs continues to rise. In addition, a recent report from Andersons has revealed that the combination of labour inflation and Covid costs have added 6.5p to the production costs of a six-pack of British Gala apples in the last two years.
Ali Capper, executive chair of BAPL said, “There is no doubt the unpredictable weather conditions have posed challenges to British apples and pear growers. Coupled with steep rises in the cost of production, 2021 is undoubtedly testing the industry.
“Our growers’ commitment to producing a high-quality crop, and their ongoing drive for sustainability, means our apple and pear varieties are some of the best-tasting and most environmentally friendly varieties in the world.
To coincide with the new apple and pear season, BAPL will be launching a new sustainability report from the Royal Agricultural University, which the organisation says will highlight the strong environmental credentials of British apples and pears.