The global apple market is undergoing significant shifts, marked by varied production levels, evolving consumer preferences, and fluctuating trade dynamics. In China, the approach of the Lunar New Year has highlighted slower domestic sales and a growing demand for smaller-sized apples in export markets like Nepal and Vietnam. Meanwhile, South Africa’s apple industry is capitalizing on favorable weather, with a 5% increase in exports projected this season, particularly to emerging markets in Africa and Asia. Across the Pacific, Washington state in the United States has reported an 8% rise in apple yields, driven by organic growth and sustainability trends. Similarly, New Zealand is rebounding from a challenging 2023, with apple exports expected to reach their highest levels since 2020.
