US production of non-citrus fruit totalled 16.8m tonnes in 2001, 11 per cent down on the previous year as a result of poor weather. Grapes, in particular, suffered reflected in a 15 per cent fall to 6.6mt, while apples dropped nine per cent to 9.41bn lb and peach output seven per cent to 2.34bn lb (Source: USDA).

But there were winners, including blueberries, raspberries, peaches, pears and papaya. However the biggest increase was seen with nuts, where overall volumes jumped 21 per cent to 1.31mt.

Within this, hazelnut production doubled to 49,500t, walnuts rose 28 per cent to 305,000t and almonds 18 per cent to 677,000t. Pecans also witnessed a 61 per cent increase to 169,300t and Macadamia 12 per cent to 28,000t.

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