Apples are historically related to temptation, but it seems that the people in Argentina aren't tempted by them as much as other consumers in the world: while consumers in the European Union eat an average of 15.9 kilos of apples per capita per year; in New Zealand, 13, and in Chile, 11.5, the people in Argentina only eat 8 kilos a year.
Internal consumption might not be great, but production numbers are good. The country produces 900,000 tons of apples each year and exports 280,000 tons, according to the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Fruit Growers (CAFI). In other times, however, external sales were three times larger.
85% of the apple production is concentrated in the Upper Valley of Rio Negro and Neuquen, and in the Middle Valley of Rio Negro. The rest is produced in the Uco Valley (Mendoza), 25 de Mayo (La Pampa) and the Tulum Valley (San Juan), among other places.
37% of the production is sent to the domestic market for direct consumption; 22%, is exported, and the remaining 41% is used as input for the industrial sector.
65% of the national apple harvest corresponds to the Red Delicious variety and its clones; 15% corresponds to Gala and its clones, and another 15% is of the Granny Smith variety. The remaining 5% is of the Pink Lady, Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, Fuji and Braeburn varieties.
A month ago, apple and pear producers asked the Minister of Agribusiness, Luis Miguel Etchevehere, to urgently solve the price problem they face. According to them, they are receiving $4 per kilo of apples, i.e. 35% to 40% less than last year. Thus, they said, they lose $2 to $2.50 per kilo.
Source: lanacion.com.ar
