Apple growers struggle to meet demand

Monday, June 04, 2007

Apple growers are struggling to meet their export markets due to a 20 per cent drop in production from drought, frosts and hail damage.

Supplies of pink lady apples have been particularly hit in both the Eastern states and Western Australia although demand for the apple from UK supermarkets is growing by 10 per cent a year.

Andrew Dick, from the Australian Fresh Fruit Company, is urging growers not to abandon the export trade for domestic sales.

"It is very important for growers that they stick in the market," he said.

"It would be fair to say that the domestic market in Australia is good and that obviously impacts peoples' perception but I think there is also a shortage of good quality pink lady and the supply of good quality apples around Australia is low."

Sourced from ABC.