APPLES
In the United States, apples are the largest non-citrus fruit in terms of production yet there has been a clear decrease in out put from 1999. U.S. apple production, is concentrated in Washington, representing 56 percent of the total production, followed by New York, and then by Michigan. For Michigan the production of apples represents 2.2% of the total state agriculture production and has also faced a decline from 1991.
Two large types of markets are identified in the U.S. fresh apple sector: trays and bulk. Tray markets are mainly dominated by Washington and Michigan dominates the bulk or 3 or 5 pound plastic bag market. There is a growing consumer trend towards eating fresh fruit and smaller apples are getting a lot of attention. Another
distinctive trend in the apple markets is the different available varieties and consumer changes in preferences. In the 1970s and 1980s, Red Delicious was the preferred variety. In the last 10 years Galas and Fuji have been taking over Red Delicious market share. Michigan Historically held a dominant position in the
processed apple market, including apple sauce, apple juice and more recently apple slices.China is the largest apple producing country of the world, followed by the U.S with 10% of the world’s production. European countries like France, Germany, Italy and Poland each have approximately 5% of the world’s production. In the southern hemisphere larger producers include Chile, Brazil and Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. Each of these countries is seeking a way to differentiate their products in world markets: packaging, promotion, new varieties, and novelty solutions.
