The Moldovan producers in 2018 will obtain the largest apple harvest in the past ten years. The Moldova Fruct Association forecasts that this will total over 505,000 tonnes, IPN reports.

The Association’s executive director Iurie Fală said the apple harvest in Moldova will be of a high quality, except for particular regions in northern Moldova that were affected by hail.

Large apple harvests are also expected in the EU member states. Europe this year will gather over 12 million tonnes of apples, an increase of 13% compared with the average for the past three years.

As to the Russian market, the ruble is projected to depreciate following the imposed sanctions and the purchasing power will decrease. Therefore, the price of apples will not be high.

Iurie Fală said the members of the Association will keep a part of the gathered apples in cold storage facilities and will sell these when prices grow. The lower apple harvest in China could be an opportunity for Moldova.