According to new research the value of Bramley apple sales in Ireland reached €5.2 million in the year to June 2008*, a year on year increase of 9%. The figures were released today at the launch of Ireland’s inaugural National Bramley Week, organised by Bord Bia in conjunction with the Irish Apple Growers Association and Keelings.
National Bramley Week, which takes place from 10th – 16th of November, will celebrate the health and nutritional benefits of Ireland’s delicious traditional culinary apple. It will include a consumer information campaign and the launch of new seasonal recipe suggestions on the Bord Bia website.
Mike Neary, Manager of Horticulture, Bord Bia commented “Bramleys are Ireland’s favourite and most common variety of apple, accounting for 46% of the total apple production area, some 579 hectares. Bord Bia is delighted to support this inaugural campaign encouraging consumers to enjoy more Bramleys as we approach the winter season and Irish crops are at peak production.”
Con Traas, Irish Apple Growers Association, added “Bramleys arebecoming more popular as a versatile delicious fruit that can be used in a variety of recipes. We are hoping to build on the success of last years sales and with a good crop being reaped at the moment we feel we will be able to tap in to the growing consumer demand for a traditional apple with many modern uses.”
According to Bord Bia’s 2007 Apple Census there are currently 40 operating orchards in Ireland. Growers with larger orchards dominate apple production, with the top 10 (in terms of orchard area) accounting for 64% of total production area. The apple sector employs 58 people full-time and 269 people part-time, corresponding to 112 full-time equivalent jobs.
Dublin, Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny are the principal counties for apple production, accounting for 82% of total apple production area in 2007. Bramley apples are primarily produced in Dublin.
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Source: *TNS Worldpanel