September 09

September 2009, World Apple Report Highlights

Regulatory Tide Returns
In the 1980s and 1990s, deregulation and privatization were intellectually respectable. However, the crises induced in the last decade by terrorist attacks and by the global economic meltdown have provided a new rationale and a fertile medium for expanded government intervention in society. Regulations have again begun to proliferate. This article discusses the fatal flaws in the current regulatory process and why regulations so often cause considerable dislocation for consumers and businesses while failing to solve the problems at which they are aimed. It warns of the threat to societies of over-regulation.

Effect of EU Enlargement on Fresh Fruit Trade
On May 1, 2004, the European Union expanded from 15 to 25 member countries. This article examines how that expansion has affected trade in fresh apples and fresh pears between the original EU-15, the ten New Member States (NMS-10) and the rest of the world. It compares the volume and average prices of imports and exports in 2000-2003 before enlargement and 2005-2008 after enlargement. Exports of both fresh apples and fresh pears from the EU-15 to the NMS-10 have grown dramatically, but they have also grown to third countries such as Russia. The EU-15 has gone from being a net exporter to a net importer of fresh apples. To date the EU-15 appears to have gained more from enlargement than the NMS-10, but third countries have not so far been disadvantaged.

Berries Becoming Formidable Competition
This article shatters the myth that berries are a minor niche product and little competition for major fruits like apples. Between 1996-98 and 2006-08, the farm value of production of major berries in the United States has more than doubled and has almost caught up with that of apples. Apricots and pears have lost ground relatively. Data available from United Fresh's quarterly Fresh Focus suggests that dollar sales of berries at retail have now surpassed those of apples. The apple industry needs a focused campaign to win back the retail space and consumers it has lost to berries.

Special Statistics

Walmart Sustainability Product Index: 15 Questions for Suppliers (table).
Table 1. EU Exports of Fresh Apples, 2000-2008 (table).
Table 2. EU Exports of Fresh Pears, 2000-2008 (table).
United States: Major Noncitrus Fruits and Berries, 1996-98 and 2006-08 (table).
World: Key Countries, Share of Population, GDP and Trade, 2008 (chart).

The authoritative guide to the world apple business today.

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