A resurgence of interest in locally produced, seasonal apple varieties in the UK is providing new food for thought to countries overseas which supply this important European market with apples throughout the course of the year, according to the organisers of global apple industry event Interpoma.

The question of how to respond to new demands on the British market will be discussed by industry experts during an international convention entitled ‘The Apple in the World’, due to be held in Bolzano, Italy, alongside Interpoma, which takes place on 6-8 November 2008.

“British consumers, who have always been sensitive to and placed a high expectation on the quality of this fruit, are now rediscovering their nation’s typical varieties and showing a strong interest in buying local and seasonal products,” said Kurt Werth, organiser of the conference event.

“Although consumption of British apples is on the rise, with an estimated production of 193,000 tonnes in 2008 (down 2 per cent year-on-year), there remain ample opportunities for exporting apples to this market, especially to those that have more to offer in terms of variety, higher quality or which are organically grown.”

The convention will focus on three main topics: international topfruit market trends and initiatives; the harmonisation of EU pesticide residue regulations; and trends in organic apple production and marketing.

Among the speakers who have already confirmed their participation in the conference are: Francesca Arena of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection; Philippe Binard, general delegate of the World Apple and Pear Association and Freshfel Europe; and Hermine Reich of the European Food Safety Authority.

Interpoma, which takes place once every two years, attracted almost 10,000 trade visitors from 38 different countries to its last event in 2006, including 273 export companies, of which one-third were from overseas.

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