New apple varieties are being grown in Brazil to make the industry more competitive in export markets this summer.
However, the total crop is expected to remain a similar size at about 750,000 tonnes.
Luis Borges, chairman of the Brazilian Apple Association, said the results were beginning to show through, with this season's shipments growing from 35,000 tonnes to 55,000 tonnes. Already on stream are Diane and Joaquina, which have maturity levels associated with Granny Smith, plus Catalonia, a late-harvested variety similar to Fuji.
In the scheme, new trees that are resistant to scab and can be grown at altitudes of less than 3,000 feet are being introduced.

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