Exports of Southern Hemisphere apples are expected to fall 5% in 2015, but pear exports should jump about 4%.

About 1.7 million metric tons of apples will be exported from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa this year, according to the annual forecast from the Brussels-based World Apple and Pear Association.

About 753,000 metric tons of pears are expected to be exported.

The forecasts were made at the association’s annual meeting Feb. 6 at the Fruit Logistica trade show in Berlin.

Also at the meeting, Daniel Sauvaitre of France-based ANPP was elected president of the association. Todd Fryhover, president of the Wenatchee-based Washington Apple Commission, is the new vice president.

While Southern Hemisphere apple exports are expected to be down, production should be up. About 5.5 million metric tons of apples will be produced, 5% more than in 2014.

Chile’s production is expected to rise 1% and New Zealand’s 13%. Among major Southern Hemisphere varieties, granny smith and golden delicious are expected to see the biggest percentage increases in 2015.

Pear production, forecast at 1.6 million metric tons, also is up 5%.

Chile’s pear production should increase about 15% and Argentina’s 10%. The Williams BC variety should see the biggest percentage increase among Southern Hemisphere pear varieties

Source : http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/Southern-Hemisphere-apple-exports-down-pears-up-291401091.html