Following record loadings of Washington state apple shipments last season, the new crop is expected to be in the 109-million-carton-range, only slightly down from a year ago. Northwest apple shipments got off to a slower start this season, with a similar situation occurring in the East from areas such as Pennsylvania and upstate New York – primarily due to weather factors. This resulted in Michigan apples loadings being hot and heavy as their shipments started on time. With both coasts getting their volume on track, pressure on Midwest shipments have eased a bit. Washington expects its Red Delicious, Gala and Granny Smith apple varieties to be about the same in volume this season, with Fuji volume to be off about 9%. Washington State is easily the nation’s largest shipper of apples. Volume continues to build and loadings out of the Yakima and Wenatchee Valleys are hitting around 2,000 truck loads equivalents per week. By contrast, Michigan shippers are loading about 300 truck loads per week, with upstate New York having similar volume.
- Washington state apples: About $4,200 to Chicago; $6,400 to New York City
- Western Michigan Apples: About $1,600 to Atlanta.
- Eastern New York Apples: About $1,000 to Dallas-Ft. Worth.