The most popular apple varieties in German market 2008

On the German market, 'Pink Lady' is the leading and most well-known club variety. Nearly all new apple varieties are already promoted as 'club variety'. There are currently about 20 available in the EU, compared to only 4 in 1997. Market experts estimate that the number could increase to 35 club varieties within the next 5 years. Only a few have been established in the German retail market: Pink Lady, Kanzi, Cameo, Kiku and Rubens or Red Prince.

 

With regard to Pink Lady, market experts anticipate a harvest of about 125,000 tons in the EU-15, which corresponds to some 2 percent of the total apple harvest in these countries. For Kanzi, market experts expect a duplication of the volume, up to 15,000 tons. The production volume of all club varieties is still below 200,000 tons. However, experts estimate duplication in this segment within the next 5 years, i. e. up to 10 percent of the total production volume within the EU-15.

 

This year's apple harvest in the EU-15 is forecast to reach 6.67 million tons, i.e. 7 percent less than in 2007. Taking all 27 EU Member States into account, the harvest is expected to amount to 9.89 million tons.

 

For Germany, market experts anticipate an average apple harvest: with 945,000 tons, this year's harvest will be 12 percent lower than in the record year 2007.