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July 2004, World Apple Report Highlights

New Building Blocks for the Apple Industry
This article discusses recent significant developments in the availability and use of genetic information in apples and pears. New Zealand's HortResearch has announced that it will publish about 100,000 gene sequences from its research that can be used by scientists around the world. It will be particularly beneficial to a similar initiative being funded by the National Science Foundation in the U.S. HortResearch, Pipfruit New Zealand, Apple and Pear Australia and the Associated International Group of Nurseries have formed a joint venture to exploit existing HortResearch cultivars around the world. These initiatives could have a major impact on future apple and pear markets.

Long-term Processing Challenges
The world apple industry continues to be on track to produce significantly more processed apples between now and 2010 and to convert most of these processed apples into concentrated apple juice. The price of apples for processing often provides a floor for fresh market prices and is a significant source of income for growers in some districts and countries. Increased supplies of processed apples are likely to continue to put pressure on apple growers.

And Then There Were 25
This article examines the impact on the apple and pear industries in the ten countries that have just simultaneously joined the European Union. Since many of these countries have outdated varieties, a heavy focus on the processed market and low productivity, they may find it very difficult to compete with the richer, more technically advanced competitors among existing EU members.

Special Statistics
EU-25: Population of Member Countries (thousands) (table).
Taiwan: Domestic Fruit Production, Selected Years (table)
Growth of Per Capita GDP, by Region, 2002, 2003 and forecast 2004-05 (chart).

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

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