Apple Overview and Growth in Australia (2020)

Introduction to Apples

Apple trees are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world. Moreover, there are more than 7.5000 cultivators that work with this fruit. Usually, this fruit is consumed for their sweetness. However, they are also utilized to make and cook cider. As history states, the tree was originally established in Asia. Furthermore, there are over 15 apple varieties that are grown in Australia. Also, the majority of this fruit is sold and consumed fresh and raw. Additionally, 15% of the total Australian production is reserved for processing. This includes cider, fresh slices, canned apples, juices and the drying process.

Overview

The production of this fruit is carried out all throughout the states in Australia. This is mainly because apples are extremely popular and easy to consume. Nevertheless, the harvesting season is typically witnessed from February to May. Fortunately, this fruit is available all year round due to the utilization of controlled atmosphere technology.

As of June 2020:

1. The wholesale value of the fresh supply was recorded at $652 million. Out of this, $578 million was utilized for retail and $74.2 million was allocated for food service.
2. The supply per capita was estimated to be 8.3 kg.
3. Approximately, 301,792 tonnes were produced and simultaneously valued at $579 million.
4. Out of all of the apples produced, 29% of the total was processed.
5. Over 89% of the Australian households purchased apples as a part of their shopping haul.

Major Production Areas

As mentioned earlier, this fruit is grown throughout Australia due to its intense popularity. Some of these places include Stanthorpe, Huon Valley, Donnybrook, Adelaide Hills and the Goulburn Valley.

Main Apple Varieties

Even though there are many types of this fruit available in the Australian market today, the fresh market is dominated by three main varieties.

1. The Pink Lady, also known as Cripps Pink, is identified as a mixture of Golden Delicious and Lady Williams. These apples accounted for approximately 41% of the fresh produce.
2. Gala apples are typically bright red and pale yellow in colour. They have made up 23% of the fresh produce.
3. Granny Smith, also deemed as Australia’s most common block green apple, accounted for about 18% of the fresh produce.