Growers seek out new markets for apples

When it comes to exports, Mexico and Latin America have been important destinations for Michigan apples, says Denise Donohue, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee.

“For us to be competitive, most of our export destinations — 13 or 14 countries — are to the south,” Donohue says.

Michigan apple growers compete for export markets with New York on the Atlantic Coast and Washington on the Pacific Coast. During the past two years, Michigan growers also have been able to break into markets in Russia, India and some of the Pacific Islands.

Russia has an emerging middle class that is moving beyond a subsistence menu that is creating a market for imported apples. Growers also hope to make gains in India and Mexico as the economy improves in those countries.

Growers can commission the services of a contractor who speaks Russian and is familiar with the market there if they work together with other states and with the help of federal funds.

Consumers in most foreign markets have specific preferences and shippers don’t have much choice about what varieties they’ll ship where, Donahue says, “they can’t create a taste.”

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Denise Donohue, executive director, Michigan Apple Committee