Imports of apples have reached a record level

Apple imports in the Czech Republic have increased steadily and the 2010 numbers set a record.

Apples imports rose of 28% (79,430 tons) in 2010 according to the Czech association of fruit producers .

Import growth has been steady for several years. Between 2001 and 2005, the average imports amounted to 46,200 tons between 2006 and 2010, the average rose to 71,800 tons.

The association of Czech producers tried to explain this situation by declining acreage in the country, the area under apples has fallen by 17% in 20 years, and existing orchards are old .

Apples are imported mainly from Italy, Poland, Germany, Belgium and Slovakia. These imports are estimated at CZK 862 million or 35 million Euros.

Source: Prague Daily Monitor