Apple season is starting to take shape, and Washington will be carrying even more
weight than usual this year, according to a website posting by Pro*Act of Monterey, CA.
Cold and wet weather disrupted parts of the Northeast growing season, which means more program demand is expected to lean west as schools and retail fall sets begin to build.
New crop Galas will be the first major variety to watch. Availability started in
early to mid-August depending on the shipper, with Honeycrisp following shortly
behind. From there, the crop will continue to build into September with Granny
Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Red Delicious, and other fall varieties coming online.
Early fruit will help bridge the gap, but overall relief will take time as each variety
starts, colors, packs, and settles into volume.
Markets are expected to remain elevated as customers look to Washington for
coverage and the Northeast works through weather-related challenges. School
demand will add another layer, especially on smaller, pouch-friendly, and
lunchbox-style fruit. As new crop volume builds, we should get a clearer picture
on size, color, pressure, and overall pack-outs.
Galas and Honeycrisp will get the season moving, but Washington will need time
to build into full fall volume. Lead time, variety flexibility, and a willingness to
adjust sizing will be the best way to stay covered as the new crop apple season
gets underway.