According to US Department of Agriculture forecasts, in 2001/02 the northern hemisphere harvest will reach 40.6 million tonnes, which is 7% less than in 2000/01.
Over the past twenty years, apple production in China has increased 7-fold, and the country now accounts for about half of the world's apple output. In 2001/02, 2.2 million tonnes of apples are expected to go for processing (mainly into concentrate) in China, compared with 450 thousand tonnes ten years ago. In early April 2002, Chinese apple concentrate (70 Brix, 1% acidity) was offered at USD 500 per tonne CIF Europe, compared with USD 475 in March 2002.
This season, apple production declined in the main EU producer countries, with Germany down 42% and France and Italy down 9% each. In 2001/02, 600 thousand tonnes of apples are forecast to go for processing in Germany, 340 thousand in Italy and 310 thousand in France.
In 2001/02, the Polish apple harvest will total about 2.4 million tonnes, slightly above the previous year's figure. In early April 2002, Polish apple concentrate (70 Brix, high acidity) was sold at DEM 1.75-1.80 per kg, delivered to the EU, or at DEM 1.50 per kg ex-works Poland.
In 2001/02, apple production in the US is estimated at 4.3 million tonnes, the lowest level since 1988/89, with processing at 1.6 million tonnes.
Apple production in the Southern hemisphere will decline by 8% in 2001/02 — to 4.4 million tonnes, with Argentina down 25% and Chile down 10%.
Note: The data is based on US Department of Agriculture statistics for 2002.
