JUICES & CONCENTRATES.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

APPLE CONCENTRATE - U.S. Apple Association issued its forecast of the 2001 U.S. apple crop, of 215.1 million bushels, which is 15% smaller than the 2000 crop and 16% lower than the five-year average. U.S. Apple's estimate is significantly smaller than the USDA estimate of 228.9 million bushels. The 2000 U.S. apple crop of 252.9 million bushels was valued at $1.3 billion.

The good news about this year's smaller crop comes at a crucial time for U.S. apple growers. The U.S. apple industry has suffered $1.5 billion in estimated losses in the past five years, including $500 million this year alone. Unfairly priced imports of apple juice concentrate, adverse weather conditions, stagnant domestic consumption, increasing food retail consolidation and rising regulatory costs, among other factors, have taken their toll on the economic condition of America's apple producers.

In an effort to reduce carryover apple supplies and improve marketing conditions, U.S. Apple has been working with USDA representatives in hopes of securing a national diversion program. The Washington Apple Commission announced its intent on Aug. 8 to form a diversion program within its state. The commission hopes to divert as many as 3 million bushels of 2000 crop-year apples. These programs could help to alleviate the 2000 crop carryover and enhance 2001 crop marketing conditions.

The volume of imports of Apple Concentrate through July 1 was up 4% when compared to 2000, while the value through July 1 was down 23% to $120.3 million.

 
APPLE CONCENTRATE IMPORTS 
JAN. 1 - JULY 1, 2001 
 
(Source: Bureau of Census) 
 
               Conc. Gallons[*]   % Chge.       Value       % Chge. 
Country              2001          2000         2001         2000 
 
TOTAL                21,613,463      3.7%   $120,321,676     -22.5% 
CHINA                 4,051,379     -6.7%    $20,568,300     -28.5% 
ARGENTINA             4,848,369     20.0%    $24,428,735     -14.0% 
CHILE                 2,919,174     55.9%    $16,947,874      11.9% 
ITALY                 2,437,787     -2.6%    $14,352,819     -28.4% 
GERMANY               2,156,733    -11.0%    $12,869,049     -33.7% 
TURKEY                1,083,524     21.0%     $6,433,249      12.8% 
MEXICO                  205,359    -65.4%     $1,379,628     -71.9% 
SOUTH AFRICA            273,266    -82.8%     ...