Record shipments occurred with Michigan’s 2022 apple crop. Although another record setter is not forecast this year, it is expected to come close. A year ago it was a record 32.4 million bushels (1.36 billion pounds).
The Michigan Apple Committee of Langsing, MI believes the crop will be approximately 85% to 90% the size of last year’s volume.
Honeycrisp, gala, and fuji are Michigan’s most popular varieties, while Cripps Pink (Pink Lady), EverCrisp and ambrosia are growing in popularity.
New trees are maturing every year at North Bay Produce of Traverse City, MI.
EverCrisp production has been increasing for the past couple of years, Pink Lady had good volume last year but will increase this season. Ambrosa shipments just recently started.
The company will kick off its harvest the last week of August with the Wildfire gala, Premier Honeycrisp, paula red and ginger gold varieties.
Volume should be up slightly at North Bay Produce, and some early summer rainfall will help sizing.
Sparta, Mich.-based Applewood Fresh Growers LLC of Sparta, MI will begin its harvest at the end of August with its early back-to-school variety, Rave, followed by the popular Sweet Tango.
Rave volume should nearly double last year, and SweeTango will up by 15% to 20%.
Riveridge Produce Marketing Inc. of Sparta will start its harvest the third week of August, three to four days ahead of last year.
Volume at Riveridge will be similar to last year with good quality.
The company has nearly 20 kinds of apples with the early varieties beginning in late August and the last one, Pink Lady, kicking off Nov. 1.
Honeycrisp, gala and fuji remain the grower’s most popular varieties.