Vienna, VA — The unveiling of this year's apple crop projections, educational sessions featuring consumer marketing experts and a blend of key networking opportunities will define the 2008 USApple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference, August 21-22 at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. Hosted annually by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple), Outlook is the preeminent annual event for apple processors, packers, shippers and apple product companies and their grower suppliers.

First Available U.S. and Global Crop Projections
Highlighting Outlook will be a broad analysis of the first forecast for this fall's apple crop. USApple's own member-driven projections will be compared to predictions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) prospective apple crop report. The unveiling of this critical industry data will include region-specific overviews for the five key apple-producing regions: Northwest, California/Southwest, Midwest/Central, New York/New England and Mid-Atlantic/Appalachian/Southeast.

In addition, Outlook will feature experts from key global apple markets - including Canada, China, Europe, Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere - who will examine continued growth in these markets and the collective impact on U.S. marketing efforts and the bottom line.

Consumer Trends and Apple Marketing Strategies
Complementing the crop projections and state-of-the industry analysis, Outlook will showcase specially selected marketing gurus and business strategists who will offer a broad perspective of current and emerging consumer trends, and how these trends will influence apple business plans for competitive advantage. Guest presenters and session topics include:

• U.S. Apple Sales Performance
  Steve Lutz, The Perishables Group
• Impact of a Down Economy on Consumer Shopping Behavior and Apple Sales
  Desmond O'Rourke, Belrose, Inc.
• In the Minds of Today's Consumers
  John Stanton, St. Joseph University
• Consumer Attitudes Towards Sustainability
  Blaine Becker, The Hartman Group

Roundtable Discussions and Networking Events
In addition to education, research and marketing, Outlook will offer several roundtable discussions spotlighting important apple supply and processing trends, including the production of apple juice concentrate.

Networking events are also planned. As the premiere gathering of the global apple industry, Outlook attracts industry leaders from the United States and around the world, representing all segments of the apple industry, including production, packing, processing, sales, marketing and new products. It is an ideal forum for meeting and collaborating with other apple industry professionals.

Interspersed with these activities will be several other important events. Regional discussions about crop Outlook, industry happenings and trends will take place for the Eastern, Midwest and Western regions. USApple will also hold its Annual Meeting of Members, where elections for USApple's Board of Trustees will occur.

Production and Utilization Analysis Report
Outlook attendees will receive an exclusive copy of USApple's 2008 Production and Utilization Analysis, a "must have" statistical analysis of the apple industry. This publication - created specifically for Outlook and not available anywhere else - examines apple volume, value, crop movement and utilization, and U.S. export and import trends. It also breaks down apple processing and fresh market forecasts, and features an international apple market Outlook and general trade assessment, current and future.

Apple Industry Award Presentations
Capping off Outlook will be several prominent award presentations. The top three awards in the apple industry, the American Fruit Grower magazine's Apple Grower of the Year, The Packer/The Grower publication's Apple Person of the Year, and National Apple Month's Apple Merchandiser of the Year, will be presented.

Register Today!
Online registration for the 2008 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference is now available. Discounted early registration rates are available until August 4. For more information on the, visit www.USApple.org or call the USApple office at (800) 781-4443.