The apple from an economic perspective

France: Europe’s 3rd producer with more than 30 varieties

• - 1,767 million tons of table apples produced in 2007 (source: SNPomme) (18% of production in the 25-state EU), 3rd European producer after Italy and Poland.
• - More than 30 varieties and the full range of colours, yellow, red and green, offering a great diversity of taste and flavour (Golden, Gala, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Fuji, Rouges, Reine des Reinettes, Reinette grise du Canada, Pink Lady® etc.)
• - A French orchard extending across 208,000 hectares, including 51,400 hectares of apple trees, the most common fruit tree.

The apple: the most exported French fruit in Europe and across the world:

©Michel Lavoix/Min.Agri.Fr.

• - French exports represent 40% of production with an average of 710,000 tons (or 50% of fresh fruit exports).
• - France is among the world leaders and is Europe’s leading apple exporter: more than 80% of its exports are destined for EU countries.
• - Exporting French apples is carried out in a highly structured manner and is organised with companies using the most up-to-date techniques: orchard procedures, harvesting, storage, conditioning, etc.