Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Litchi, durian, rambutan, guava and passion fruit are produced and traded in
smaller volumes, with their market shares expanding rapidly in recent years.
The projections made by the FAO assume normal weather patterns and
the continuation of past trends in area planted, yield, income growth and
population for mango, pineapple, papaya and avocado (Table 1.2). World
production is expected to reach 62 million tonnes by 2010, an increase of
15.4 million tonnes over the 1998-2000 period, with developing countries
continuing to account for 98% of the global production. This is a compounded
growth rate of 2.6% per year. The Asia and Pacifi c region accounts for 56%
of production, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (32%) and Africa
(11%). The production increase has come from additional planted acreage
intended for export. The growth has occurred mainly in Latin America and
the Caribbean region, with their more accessible trade route to the major
importing regions, the United States and Europe.
Demand for fresh tropical fruits has increased and imports are at about
4.3 million tonnes for mango, pineapple, papaya and avocado, with 87%
going to developed country markets. Europe is the world's largest import
market, followed by the United States, accounting for 70% of import demand.
In Europe, France is a major importer, and the Netherlands is the major trans-
shipment point.
TROPICAL FRUIT AND CONSUMERS
In most markets, consumers are demanding higher quality. This quality is
no longer judged solely by size and appearance; aroma, fl avour and nutrient
value are now increasing in importance. This can be seen in the larger
range of commodities on the retail shelves, the number of varieties of each
commodity now of ered, and reduction in seasonality of supply in developing
country markets. The traditional term, quality, implies excellence or suitability
for use and means dif erent things to dif erent groups. Suitability for use
includes freedom from microbial and chemical contaminants. Understanding
of consumer behaviour is related to how it will be accepted in the marketplace
(Sabbe et al. , 2009).
Consumer satisfaction is related to their view as to what constitutes
quality, and this varies widely in dif erent markets and is decided by familiarity,
economic status and marketing. For many minor tropical fruits, familiarity
in many temperate markets is a major limitation to expanding the market for
tropical fruits, coupled to a consumer willingness to try new fruits (Fig. 1.2).
INTERNATIONAL FORUMS
Numerous national and international groups are dedicated to specifi c
tropical fruits or groups of closely related fruits. The International Society
 
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