English production has remained constant for the last 5 years following a decade of retrenchment. However, in addition to the world’s major exporting countries a new player is on the horizon. China currently produces 21.3 million tonnes - over a third of the world’s annual volume of apples. This is predicted to increase to 29.8 million tonnes by 2015. Since 1996, Chinese apple exports to Europe have risen steeply from nil to 70,000 tonnes in 2005, a trend expected to continue.

Adrian Barlow, Chief Executive of English Apples and Pears Ltd said, “English growers are using the latest production techniques to increase yields whilst maintaining the outstanding taste for which English apples are renowned. Higher standards and improved technology are being utilised in English pack houses to achieve the best possible standards of skin finish, so that English apples maintain their superiority in every respect.”

What British farmers are doing to protect British apples:

• Increasing number of trees per hectare but pruning branches to allow more light to reach the apples
  
• Growing trees with wire trellises and bamboo stakes to increase the number of trees per hectare
  
• Trialling new varieties and selections - 2007 will see the first volumes of English Jazz and Kanzi
  
• Increasing specifications to avoid marketing apples which will not completely satisfy consumers - e.g. Egremont Russet, a variety which appeals to aniche sector of the market must have 60% Russet and be between 65mm and 80mm
  
• Grading more rigorously to achieve greater consistency of appearance in each box of apples

Melvyn Newman, UK Top Fruit Grower of the Year for 2006 said, "To be successful in today's highly demanding market, growers have to combine the most modern orchard management techniques, selection of varieties and business practices to satisfy consumers as efficiently as possible."

The Great British Apple Campaign raises awareness amongst apple-buying consumers on the importance of supporting fruit farmers by demanding British apples. Consumers can make a difference by only buying British apples in supermarkets from September to March. English Apples are in the shops as of today and this year the crop has outstanding taste and flavour as well as exceptional skin finish.¨