Comparisons of qualitative and quantitative issues in the fruit supply

the different participants in the functioning of the fruit supply chains are presented, along with their quantitative characteristics. Although apple production was most popular in northern countries (i.e., Poland and The Netherlands), while in southern countries (i.e., Spain and Greece) citrus fruit (especially orange), grape, and peach production were most important, the participants along the fruit supply chains were the same in all cases: namely, research centres and seed companies, nurseries, fruit producers, co-operatives, fruit processors, wholesalers, retailers, and the food service sector. Any differences lay mainly in the level of concentration among participants at each stage of the fruit supply chains. Despite an ongoing process of consolidation, the fruit processing sector remains fragmented. There were only a small number of large enterprises that had a considerable position in multi-national markets, alongside a large number of much smaller entities that served local, regional, and national markets. With respect to product distribution in the fruit supply chains, the most characteristic feature was the increasing concentration of the retail trade. The development of consumer-driven, efficient,responsive, and innovative supply chains is crucial for the growth of fruit consumption in Europe, and for a competitive and sustainable fruit industry. Currently, fruit supply chains are characterised by having a relatively low level of consumer orientation. To increase this level, it i