New York apples offer variety to Chinese market

Although the first impact of apple exports into China will be from Washington State, the New York Apple Association is enthusiastic about the potential within the Chinese market. “We have a few more travel restrictions than Washington due to our location and distance from China,” states Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association. “However, we will affect the market by offering variations of apples which Washington cannot grow.”

Currently Washington has contracts to export only Red and Golden Delicious apples. New York State is confident its apples will have an impact on China due to the multiple varieties it grows. Specific apple varieties have yet to be chosen for export, but New York offers apples with distinctive flavours including the Empire apple which has become popular in the Malaysian market.

“The United States has an excellent opportunity to expand its Asian markets,” explains Allen. While access to South Korea is still restricted, New York ships apples to Vietnam and Russia. “Whenever the United States can expand their market, it benefits both New York and Washington markets by increasing exports. By exporting to China, we have access to the largest market in the world.”

The recent drop in value of the Euro has not affected apple exports from New York State. “Within Europe, we export heavily to the United Kingdom, which uses the pound,” declares Allen, “because of the Russian embargo; Poland cannot export, so their apples are saturated within the European market.”

Domestic prices for New York apples are respectable. Although the harvest did not generate the highest volume, the quality of the apples has increased overall. “The price is not as high as last year when the volume of apples was less, but it is still a respectable price.”

Currently varieties and prices planned for export to China remain undetermined. “New York is a very small player in the Chinese market,” states Allen, “no prices and contracts will be solidified for the next 45-55 days.”

For more information please contact:
Jim Allen
President
New York Apple Association
Tel: 585-924-2171
Fax: 585-924-1629
www.nyapplecountry.com