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January 2004, World Apple Report Highlights

Biggest Stories of 2003
Each January, the World Apple Report reviews the biggest stories of the previous year. The purpose is not to regurgitate the stories that captured the most publicity but rather to identify those issues that are likely to have major long-term implications for the apple industry. The top five stories were: the big worry over weak consumption, turmoil among retailers, the challenges of industry downsizing, China powers ahead and (a new word in the industry's vocabulary) traceability.

Production and Variety trends to 2010 - Oversupply Threat Lingers
A special article predicts that world apple production will increase further by 2010 to 72 million metric tons, a 24.4 percent increase over the 2001-03 average. China's production could increase by 50 percent. Chinese production is dominated by the Fuji variety, while Red Delicious and Golden Delicious will remain the leading varieties elsewhere. Gala, Fuji, Jonagold and Braeburn will continue to gain market share in the rest of the world. Competition in all the major varieties will intensify as production expands in both Northern and Southern Hemisphere countries.

Multilateral Trade Deals Face Uphill Struggle in 2004
Negotiators with real power to advance multilateral trade continually dropped the ball at crucial times in 2003. Completion of the next phases of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) has been postponed. The major obstacles appear to be the dissatisfaction of many developing countries with the heavy subsidies provided by major powers such as the United States, the European Union and Japan.

Special Statistics
World Apple Production, Average 2001-03 and Forecast 2010 (table).
Major Apple Varieties, Rank and Share of World Production,
Average 2001-03 and Forecast 2010 (table).
Germany: Average Price of Imported Fresh Apples, 2000-03 (chart).
Russia: Monthly Fresh Apple Imports by Supplying Region, July 2002-June 2003.

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

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