The membership was formalised on 2 September in Xi’an (Shaanxi, China) on the occasion of the International Fruit Conference.

The President of WAPA, Daniel Sauvaitre (ANPP, France), attended a signing ceremony to mark this important milestone for the Association. He said, “The accession of CFNA to WAPA is a significant steps for the global representation of WAPA, given the great potential of the Chinese apples and pear production. I am very pleased that we have filled this gap and identified the right partner to add a Chinese voice at the table of the Association, as this will further enhance the global discussions of the Association”.

With inclusion of the Chinese member, close to 70% of the apple and 90% of the pear production is represented within WAPA.

China is playing an increasingly important role in the international production as well as trade of apples and pears. Todd Fryhover, Vice-President of WAPA (Washington Apple Commission, USA), said, “Getting China on board will be of mutual benefit for all the members of WAPA. China is by far the leading producer, but also represents a growing market for many apple and pear suppliers around the world. The participation of China in the efforts of WAPA to boost the category and move production towards varieties demanded by consumers is a clear added value for all.” As WAPA is welcoming a member from China, it is also currently in the final stages of concluding other membership engagements.

Over the last fifteen years, the organisation says that it has been an important tool to improve information about the latest global developments for apples and pears. Today, it is a well-recognized and important platform for members to discuss about shared challenges, exchange experience concerning promotional actions, nutrition and health benefits, intelligence gained on research and innovation to boost quality or GAP/IPM, as well as stimulating a shift towards new varieties corresponding to the evolving taste of consumers.

WAPA was created in 2001 as a platform to address global challenges and to identify new opportunities for the apples and pears growers’ communities around the world. WAPA was so far incorporating the twenty leading apples and pears associations from both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, but a representative from China was still missing. For more information, visit: www.wapa-association.org