WAR may 03

May 2003, World Apple Report Highlights

10 Key Questions on Club Marketing
Many breeders, nurseries, growers, packers and marketers are putting their faith (and their capital) in new varieties that will be managed by marketing clubs. This article spells out 10 key questions that an operator needs to ask before committing his or her organization to one or more marketing clubs. Since the overall objective of joining a marketing club is to enhance profitability, the potential profits must be weighed against the added costs and risks of participation in a club. Everyone contemplating membership of a marketing club needs to read this article.

Associations Scramble for Direction
This article reviews the turmoil that has arisen in many countries and many apple-growing districts over the future funding, mission and activities of industry organizations. Some have succumbed to legal challenges, others to declining grower numbers and reduced industry profitability. The dilemma for the apple industry is that while the need for industry organizations has never been greater, the support for their mission has never been more fractionated.

Complex Influences on Healthy Eating
It is often assumed that eating habits are due to personal choices and that through education or promotion, people can be persuaded to make healthier choices. A study by Dr Shih-Neng Chen and colleagues at Shi Tsin University in Taiwan shows that wages, incomes and prices affect people's decisions on nutrition, exercise and medication. That is, economic forces affect lifestyles, which affect choices. Changing habits requires dealing with this more complex web of influences.

Special Statistics
U.S.: Major Suppliers of Goods, 1999-2002 (chart).
Hypothetical Demand for Two New Varieties (chart).
Mexico: Wholesale Prices of Red Delicious Apples, Domestic and Imported, 2000-01, 2001-02 and
2002-03 (chart).
Singapore: Net Imports and Re-Exports of Fresh Apples, 1997-2001 (chart).
Singapore: Net Imports and Re-Exports of Fresh Pears, 1997-2001 (chart).

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

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