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February 2004, World Apple Report Highlights

Mad Cow, Lesson 2
A case of mad cow disease in Washington State has shaken the complacency about the safety of the U.S. food system. Although only one of 40 million cows has been found to be affected, and the risk to humans is infinitesimal, the media has sensationalized the occurrence. This is one more warning of what can happen to any commodity. The apple industry needs to be prepared to deal with the negative images of a similar episode and to know and understand the critics who will seek to exploit the incident for their own ends.

Asda Lowers the Boom
Adsa dealt a body blow to its many suppliers by indicating that all of its imports (excluding bananas) would be channeled through a single company. That company would act as Asda's agent, while Asda would remain the principal in dealings with foreign suppliers. If the Asda initiative succeeds, it could quickly be imitated by its U.K. competitors and by its parent company, Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer. It could hasten the trend to even fewer, larger suppliers.

Measuring International Competitiveness
This article summarizes the ninth annual comparison of 28 major apple producing countries in terms of competitiveness. Based on analysis of 22 separate criteria, Chile emerged on top, just ahead of New Zealand, with France in third place. The Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Italy, the United States, Japan and Australia round out the top ten.

Special Statistics
East Asia: Index of Per Capita GNP, 1995-2004 (chart).
Competitiveness Rankings of Major World Apple Suppliers, 2004 (table).
East Asia: Imports of Fresh Apples, 1990-2002 (chart).
Fresh Apples: Ocean Freight Rates, U.S. West Coast to Asia, 1998-2003 (chart).
U.S.: Grower Prices of Fresh Apples, 1969-71 to 1999-2001 (chart).

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

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