The apple is the most favourite fruit of the French. With 20.3% of the market share, the apple is the most purchased fruit. This is far above the banana (14.6%) and the orange (12.4%). Around 6,000 varieties exist. From these, many are sold in supermarkets and a majority are available at local markets. Those above the age of 50 appear to consume the most apples with more than 22 kg per year. For consumers under the age of 35, it is around 10 kg.
In France, 1.7 million tonnes of apples are produced. Apples in Normandy and Brittany are primarily grown for cider. The most important areas of production for consumer apples are Pays de Loire, PACA, South France and in particular, Tarn and Garonne. This region is the birthplace of the brand Blue Whale and with its 5,300 ha of orchards and an annual production of around 427,000 tonnes, is one of the most important areas for French apple production. Around 43% of the total of French apple production is allocated for the French market, 38% is for export and the remainder is for processing.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away… Alongside the many edible qualities, the apple is also good for your health. The apple is recommended by dentists as a way of maintaining good dental hygiene. Dietitians also recommend eating apples because of its positive influence on the GI tract due to its strong concentration of fibre (3.5g per 100g).