The World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) has reported on the results of its meeting held during Fruit Logistica last week.

Some 12 countries were represented at the meeting of WAPA – which was founded in August 2001 with the objectives of providing a forum for discussion on matters of interest to the apple and pear business and initiating recommendations to strengthen the sector.

WAPA is concerned by the imbalance between the supply and demand of apples and pears. In order to reduce the current oversupply and stimulate consumption, WAPA members reviewed the progress made so far by setting up some organoleptic guidelines.

This was undertaken with New Zealand researchers HortResearch.

The resulting guidelines would form the basis of a world quality mark with the aim of attracting more customers to the produce. Members endorsed the idea of linking the guidelines to the health benefits offered by eating the apples and pears.

WAPA has also made progress in promoting production and export between member countries. Forecasts presented at Fruit Logistica indicate that total apple production in the southern hemisphere will be 4,096,000 tonnes, compared to 4,167,000t last season.