Fresh on the heels of the Chinese market opening for all varieties of apples from the US last spring, nine Chinese importers are visiting Washington and Oregon to learn more about the apple and pear industries. The Washington Apple Commission and Northwest Pear Bureau are jointly sponsoring the trade mission which brings buyers from major importing companies in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Dalian. While in Washington, the group is visiting orchards and packing houses in Wenatchee and Yakima and have the opportunity to see the harvest and taste many of the varieties Washington growers produce. Events in both cities give Washington apple export shippers the opportunity for one on one meetings with participants to discuss future business.
“We think that China could be the third largest market for Washington apples in the near future,” explains Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. “In addition to the importer tour, we are conducting activities with major retailers throughout China and participating in e-commerce promotions as well.”
In May 2015, after many years of negotiations, the US and China reached an agreement allowing access for all varieties of U.S. apples to enter China. During the 2014-15 apple season which ended August 31, approximately 3.1 million 40-lb cartons of Washington apples, worth over $53 million, ended up in China, either directly or through transshipment.
Historically one-third of the Washington apple crop is exported to over 60 different countries. WAC is a grower-funded organization charged with promoting the Washington brand in international markets.
