Representatives from 11 top-fruit producing countries from Europe, North America and the Southern Hemisphere were present at the WAPA meeting to discuss a series of papers to identify and prioritise action on increasing consumption globally. These addressed issues such as encouraging consumption through eating-quality standards and variety loyalty as well as other aspects of consumer preference.

The association has also identified other areas for enhancement of co-operation among members. These include the co-ordination and exchange of available information and research; follow-up of food safety issues and marketing standards at UN and EU level. A working group has also been set up with representatives from different sectors of the supply chain to examine apple and pear eating qualities from a consumer perspective.

In a statement issued by the association after the meeting, it also announced that it will actively be seeking closer retailer relationships in Europe and North America as a means of increasing consumption in the long term. 'The positive and negative consumer drivers for this category of products will be analysed in depth,' said the statement.

The next annual meeting of WAPA will take place at the Prognosfruit conference in Trento on August 1. In the meantime, the various working groups will meet to advance the objectives agreed on by the association.