An international standard for apples and pears, based on the organoleptic factors of texture and maturity, rather than appearance, is under consideration by the newly established World Apple & Pear Association (WAPA).

Ultimately this could lead to some form of generic branding to help consumers choose the best fruit, according to WAPA secretary Philippe Binard in Brussels.

WAPA will be presenting its initial thoughts when European crop estimates are officially unveiled at Prognosfruit, to be held in Germany during August.

So far WAPA has concentrated on evaluating the world top fruit industry and is now establishing proposals to overcome the global problem of overproduction.

Long term, the association seeks to reduce the volume of stored fruit that is dumped or sold at a loss. An internal standard would give consumers more information, satisfied purchases and greater satisfaction, it said.

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