The popularity of fresh apples is suffering in the more developed markets of Western Europe, Australia and North America, illustrating the growing demand for processed and ready prepared fresh cut fruit as well as other competing snacks. Any growth comes primarily from new varieties with enhanced eating quality such as Pink lady, Gala and Fuji, but at the expense of the traditional Delicious.
Elsevier Food International, Vol. 7, Number 1, February 2004

Although total fruit consumption remains low in Poland compared to the EU, apple uptake is exceptionally high reflecting local availability. In Russia, apples are purchased as a seasonal fruit by the low and middle-income sectors, and have experienced a fall in consumption as these consumers have switched to cheaper alternatives out of season. Similarly, apples are eaten seasonally in China, and in greater volumes close to areas of production. Improved purchasing power and all year round availability is boosting consumption across the country.

Historically, consumption of apples in latin America has been low with other local fruits preferred. Nor is the apple an everyday fruit in Japan as reflected in a low per capita uptake. However, apples can be central to a special Japanese meal. Interestingly, per capita levels are on the rise in both markets.