Exotic fruit decrease apple consumption
Apple consumption has dropped over the last few years as more exotic fruits become available to consumers, however the quality and the mix of varieties of apples available within British Columbia is increasing. “In the long term there is the potential for apple consumption to increase,” states Ibuki, “With consumers having access to varieties with better taste, texture, and storability, apples can compete with many of the leading fruit and start regaining some of their lost market share.”
Apples being tested throughout Canada
Canadian apple growers are very enthusiastic about exciting prospects in the future. Testing of Canada’s extremely versatile climate is being taken into account by Summerland Varieties Corp. “We’ve established a national grower testing program to test apple varieties across Canada in all the major fruit growing regions taking into account the vast array of biogeoclimatic zones,” declares Ibuki, “Within the present test sites there are a number of promising varieties with the potential to rival current commercial leaders in terms of outstanding attributes.”
New varieties released under banner
New varieties of apples from the Summerland PARC breeding program are released under the ‘Born in BC, Raised in Okanagan’ banner. The program targets the high-end local retail market while volumes of new varieties are still small and growing “This allows their market potential to be assessed at the niche market level and further drive higher grower returns,” adds Ibuki.
For more information please contact:
Nick Ibuki
Operations Manager
Summerland Varieties Corp.
Phone: 250-494-5164
Fax: 250-494-7472
[email protected]
www.summerlandvarieties.com
