FebruaryWAR 09

February 2009, World Apple Report Highlights

Passing on the Family Farm?
The fruit industry continues to be dominated by family farms, but there is widespread concern about the future of family operations. This article discusses issues such as when to continue the family fruit business, how to choose a successor, how to phase out the older generation, how to deal with extended families, the need to attract new skills for new eras, and whether or not to expand or divest. It argues that the survival of the family farm requires careful planning and preparation.

World Variety Forecasts to 2015
Each year, the World Apple Report updates its projections of trends in apple varieties during the coming decade. The latest projections look ahead to 2015. They project that the share of production in traditional varieties such as Delicious and Golden Delicious will change little, Granny Smith and Rome shares will continue to fall, while the shares of Gala/Royal Gala, Fuji, Braeburn and Cripps Pink/ Pink Lady will rise modestly. The top ten varieties will still account for 76 percent of production outside China. Promising new varieties such as Honeycrisp, Jazz and Ambrosia will account for less than one percent of apple supplies.

Restless Russia
Between 2000 and 2007, Russia went from being a minor importer to being the world's largest importer of fresh apples, pears and sweet cherries. Russia's large population enjoyed a surge in affluence as the price of its key commodities such as oil, gold and other metals boomed. Russian demand for fresh fruit has directly impacted nearby European suppliers and indirectly boosted the fortunes of other exporters. However, commodity prices have plunged since June 2008 and the Russian economy and currency have tumbled. Russia has become more erratic as a trade partner. A collapse of Russian demand could reverberate throughout the fruit world.

Special Statistics

World, excluding China: Major Apple Varieties, 2008 and 2015 (table).
World: Apple Production, 2008 and 2015 (table).
EU-15: Exports of Fresh Apples to Russia, January-August, 2007 and 2008 (chart).
Mexico: Wholesale Prices of Red Delicious Apples, Domestic and Import,
By Month, 2007 and 2008 (chart).
Russian Federation: Annual Imports of Fresh Apples, Pears and Cherries,
1992-2006 (chart).

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

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