Are the apples we eat now the same as the ones 10 years ago?
4/15 2025
Author: Masashi Yamamoto
I like apples. In recent years, I feel that the quality of apples available at supermarkets nearby has declined compared to when I was younger. Although I want to eat apples, I often refrain from buying them.
Considering the recent trend of weaker Japanese Yen and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' policy of promoting agricultural exports, I came up with the hypothesis that the delicious apples I used to eat as a child might be getting exported overseas.
Source: Ministry of Finance “Trade Statistics”
Figure 1 is a graph about apple exports from Japan. Looking at the graph, we can see that the export volume of apples has been gradually increasing in the last ten years. More importantly, when we examine the export price, which is likely an indicator of quality, we can see that the export price has risen significantly in recent years, especially around the peak apple season in November, December, and January.
This data alone is not enough to conclude that most high-quality apples are being exported. However, the apples available in supermarkets today might be different from the ones I used to eat when I was younger.