"China: "Reduced Red Fuji apple production because of poor weather"

The characteristic Fuji apple is larger than most apples, the fruit is redder, and in comparison with other apples it is sweeter and crispier. These characteristics all help to explain why consumers around the globe love Fuji apples. Furthermore, Fuji apples also have a longer shelf life than most other apples. They do not even require refrigeration. They can be kept for more than 4 months below room temperature. Refrigerated Fuji apples remain safe to eat after 5-7 months.

"The official opening of the Red Fuji apple production season in Gansu and Shanxi takes place every year in October and lasts until September in the subsequent year. On April 6-7, 2018, many production areas in China suffered from the worst cold snap in 50 years. This had a definite influence on the development of apples on the trees and resulted in a reduced apple production volume. We estimate that the apple production volume decreased by around 20%-30%." This is according to Zhao Yuxue of Shaanxi Jingchuan Apple Co., Ltd.

"The market development of agricultural products is influenced by many different aspects. Weather is, unfortunately, an unavoidable aspect of growing apples. We think that the changes in production volume are normal, but we trust that apple farmers will have greater ability to guard against these unpredictable influences as domestic plantation and management technology advances."

"Our apple orchards are located in Jingchuan County, in Gansu, and in Luochuan and Yichuan, both in Shaanxi. Our orchards cover a total of 333 hectares. The main apple variety in our orchards is the Red Fuji apple. At this stage, we mainly sell apples under our own brand 'Jingchuan Apple' in wholesale markets and supermarkets in China's southern cities. We are also engaged in negotiation with visiting traders from the USA, the Netherlands, Kazakhstan, and India to discuss export opportunities. We hope to offer more overseas consumers the opportunity to taste our Red Fuji apples in the near future."

Contact person: Zhao Yuxue