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As the 2025 harvest has pear orchards in the Pacific Northwest abuzz with activity, USA Pears is projecting a bountiful crop, with yields exceeding last year’s harvest by an estimated 60 percent. In a press release, the industry organization attributed the forecast to a relatively mild winter and favorable overall growing conditions.
The robust supply initially generated some market stability-related anxiety among growers, due to the recent closure of the industry’s largest canner. Fortunately, a USDA relief effort for up to $20 million for Northwest Bartlett pear growers is setting the stage to make 2025 an excellent year for USA Pears.
“Our growers in Washington and Oregon are excited about the quality and quantity of this year’s crop, and their enthusiasm is contagious as they bring more than 10 varieties and an abundant volume of fruit to market well into 2026,” says CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears.
The pear harvest will continue through fall, which, combined with proper storage, means the fruit will be available to American consumers nearly year-round.
This last harvest report from USA Pears brings some long-awaited hope to growers in the country. Last year, the industry reported a historically low production volume, with a whopping 20 percent drop, totaling 470,000 metric tons—the smallest harvest since the 1967/68 season.
The organization attributed the 2024 decrease to damaging January freezes and a cold spring that impacted major producing states like Washington, Oregon, and California.
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The decline in Florida’s citrus crop continues.
According to a collection of annual reports, released Aug. 29 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Florida’s total citrus acreage declined 24% this year compared to last. Total production is down 28% across all classes of citrus. While lemons were added to Florida’s production this past year, some counties saw staggering losses.
According to the annual Florida Commercial Citrus Inventory report, the state had 208,183 total acres of citrus for the 2024-25 year, representing roughly 32,538,800 trees. This is down 24% compared to the 2024 annual report, with a net loss of 66,522 acres, representing about 42,131,500 trees.
The 2024-25 acreage numbers are less than a quarter of what they were in 2000 (832,275 acres) when the survey data began.
By variety, orange acres took the largest hit, both proportionally and in raw acreage. At 183,860 acres, Florida’s orange acres are down almost 26% compared to last year’s 248,028 acres. For the 2024-25 year, orange acres represented 88.3% of total Florida citrus acres.
By comparison, total grapefruit acres (12,787) declined 10.6% from the prior year, and total specialty citrus acres (11,536) were down 6.6%.
The only variety within the report’s categories to see additional acreage in the 2025 report compared to the 2024 report was “other citrus,” part of the specialty citrus category. “Other citrus” includes lemons and excludes mandarins. That subcategory saw an additional 590 acres (11.4%) with a total of 5,762 acres in the current report.
Idaho and East Oregon onion acreage will continue its upward trend in 2025.
Growers in the Snake River Valley, which runs through southwest Idaho and Malheur County in Oregon, planted 23,592 acres of onions in 2025, up from 22,583 acres in 2024, according to the National Onion Association. Annual production averages about 20 million 50-pound units.
Eagle Eye Produce of Iona, ID began its onion harvest the week of Aug. 4 in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, which was a little earlier than usual. Harvest should continue into early October.
The company, which has a year-round onion program, will have a complete line of red, yellow and white onions as well as sweet yellow onions this season. Acreage at Eagle Eye Produce is up slightly this year due to the acquisition of the Baker and Murakami warehouse in Ontario, OR.
Snake River Produce of Nyssa, OR, sees a very nice crop this year that is on schedule with similar acreage to last year.
The company ships mainly yellow Spanish sweet onions and also has some red and white varieties.
The season started after mid-August, and the company will ship storage onions into mid-April.
Owyhee Produce of Parma, ID, which grows, packs and processes potatoes, started harvesting onions July 1 and expects to have onions coming from Idaho year-round. Volume should be up a little from a year ago.
Owyhee Produce offers red, yellow and white potatoes and has a sweet red variety.
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The Illinois Farm Bureau Associate reports despite adverse weather, this year’s production increased over 30 million pounds, and pumpkins are ready for shipping.
Previous seasons ranged from 652 million pounds in 2021 to 690 million pounds in 2023, an increase of approximately 15,000 acres. Total loadings this season are expected to be average to a bit above average.
Despite positive projections, weather conditions varied across Illinois this year, leading to disparities in pumpkin size and yield. Scavuzzo says some growers faced delayed planting due to wet conditions, while others contended with drought.
Illinois leads US pumpkin production, particularly for processing. Between 70 and 80 percent of the state’s pumpkin acreage is dedicated to canning and food ingredient uses, with most crops grown under contract with processors.
Canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie mix from processed pumpkins accounts for 85 percent of the volume. This is led by pumpkin puree, which serves as the base for products ranging from pie filling to baked goods and beverages.
However, ornamental pumpkins used for seasonal retail displays also make up a significant share of Illinois’ production. Growers continue to see increasing demand for specialty varieties such as White and Bumpy gourds.
The state is also home to high-profile producers such as Sarah Frey, known for pioneering large-scale pumpkin supply to major retailers and for her role in promoting Illinois as a national pumpkin leader.
While processing contracts bring a level of stability to growers, the ornamental market remains highly sensitive to consumer trends and weather conditions. There are six to eight weeks to sell pumpkins.
*****
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A four percent increase is predicted for Peruvian table grape exports for the 2025-26 season. The forecast reveals 86,123,321 8.2-kilo boxes (39,872 containers), compared to the 82,890,138 boxes (38,375 containers) shipped in the previous season (2024-25). This is according to Agraria, the Association of Table Grape Producers and Exporters of Peru (Provid).
This is the association’s first estimate, and it will be progressively updated as the 2025-26 season progresses.
Peru’s table grape campaign can be divided into four stages: August-October (week 34 to week 42), where 5 percent of the projected volume is expected to be shipped; October-December (week 43 to week 51), where 57 percent would be shipped; December-February (week 52 to week 8), where 34 percent would be exported; and February-March (week 9 to week 17), where the remaining 5 percent would be allocated.
The total projected volume for the 2025-26 campaign, the northern region (Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Áncash) would ship 39.6 million boxes, which would represent an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the 39.0 million boxes shipped in the previous campaign. The north would account for 46 percent of the total.
Meanwhile, shipments from the south (Lima, Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua) would total 46.6 million boxes, representing a 6.4 percent increase compared to the 43.8 million boxes exported in the 2024-25 campaign. This region would account for 54 percent of the total.
In the northern campaign, the largest volumes to be shipped would be reported in the second period. From August to October (week 34 to week 42), 10 percent would be shipped; from October to December (week 43 to week 51), 83 percent would be shipped; from December to February (week 52 to week 8), 7 percent would be exported; and from February to March (week 9 to week 17), only 0.01 percent of the total would be shipped.
In the southern campaign, being later than the northern one, the peak would be recorded in the third period. From August to October (week 34 to week 42), 1 percent would be shipped; from October to December (week 43 to week 51), 34 percent would be shipped; from December to February (week 52 to week 8), 57 percent would be exported; and from February to March (week 9 to week 17), the remaining 8 percent would be shipped.
Peru’s avocado revolution continues to expand in both new and established markets. In the first six months of 2025, the Latin American country’s avocado exports to the U.S. increased 42 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the Peruvian Exporters Association (ADEX), these deliveries generated a profit of $134 million for Peru.
The North American market is Peru’s third-largest export destination for avocados, following the Netherlands and Spain.
Overall, Peruvian avocado shipments increased 16 percent, totaling over $917 million. The increase was mainly driven by an 18 percent order uptick from the Netherlands, which accounts for 33.5 percent of total avocado exports.
Fresh avocados make up more than 95 percent of the country’s fruit exports, making it over $876 million. Other profitable categories are frozen avocados ($32.897 million) and avocado pulp or purée ($7.961 million).
According to Trade Map, in 2024, Peru was the world’s second-largest avocado exporter, second only to Mexico and ahead of the Netherlands, Spain, Morocco, Colombia, Chile, and Israel.
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA released this strawberry market report September 22, 2025:
Rain is forecast for the Santa Maria and Oxnard, California regions on Tuesday, September 23. Growers will pack ahead of the rain to ensure better quality. Expect tight stocks and strong markets through next week.
Santa Maria/Oxnard
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Quality concerns include decay, pin-rot, and water damage
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Size is small-medium (18 to 24 per one-pound clamshell)
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Salinas/Watsonville
- MFC Strawberries are available; quality and color are good
- Size is currently 16 to 25 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
- Some bruising, white shoulders, and light mildew are being reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Mexico/South Texas
- New crop harvesting is expected to start in mid-November
- Product will cross into South Texas
*****
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After two straight years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) BB #:145473 at the organization’s 130th annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.
Authored by USApple Vice President of Insights and Analytics, Chris Gerlach, Industry Outlook 2025* provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade.
*The Outlook Report features the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates. Following the presentation of these figures, USApple members met in person to discuss current growing conditions and develop a more up-to-date production forecast — the numbers below reflect that adjustment.
U.S. Production
According to USApple’s analysis, total U.S. apple production for the 2025/26 crop year (CY) is forecast at:
• 11.7 billion pounds / 278.5 million bushels
• Up 1.3% from last year
• 3.6% above the five-year production average
These figures are more comprehensive than the USDA data, which only reflect the top seven apple-producing states. USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds that into USDA’s figure. It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day.
“The U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” said Gerlach. “That said, growers carefully select what comes off the tree to ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the store. And with skyrocketing labor costs, growers are having to be even more disciplined in their harvest decisions.”
Varietal Mix
At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot with nearly 47 million bushels, accounting for 16% of the market.
The top five:
• Gala – 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)
• Red Delicious – 39 million bushels (13%)
• Honeycrisp – 34 million bushels (12%)
• Granny Smith – 32 million bushels (11%)
• Fuji – 25 million bushels (9%)
Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp® and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink. Gala, Fuji and Rome are trending down.
Trade
While fresh apple exports declined 5% year over year, the U.S. maintained a strong trade balance in 2024/25 (July–June):
• Exports: 44M bushels
• Imports: <5M bushels
• Net exports: ~40M bushels valued at $900 million
“With another large crop on the way, maintaining and expanding exports is essential,” said Gerlach. “We’re exploring all avenues to strengthen our presence in established markets like Taiwan, Thailand, and India, while pushing to open new high-value markets such as South Korea and Japan.”
State Production
At the state level:
• Washington remains the nation’s top producer with a forecasted record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion, up 1% from 2024/25.
• New York holds the No. 2 spot at 30.5 million bushels, a 0.7% decrease from last season.
• Michigan up 10% to about 30 million bushels.
• Pennsylvania up 2% at 10.5 million bushels.
• Virginia down 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
• Oregon up 40% to 3.9 million bushels.
Global Context
According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production is more than 5 billion bushels. In 2023 (latest data point), China alone was responsible for producing 51% of the world’s total supply, with the U.S. producing the second-largest share of the global crop.
• China – 2.6 billion bushels (51% of global supply)
• United States – 5.3% of global supply
• Turkey – 4.7%
• Poland – 4%
• India – 3%
“With China down 100 million bushels and Turkey’s crop off by 40%, the U.S. has a real opportunity,” said Gerlach. “Given Turkey’s role as a major supplier to India, this could open the door for us to regain market share there.”
US APPLE
USApple is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. Our members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and almost $23 billion in economic activity.
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The quest to find new food-based approaches to improve wellness continues, and the latest scientific research points to the potential power of walnuts to provide better sleep.
A new study published in the journal Food & Function reveals that eating a handful of walnuts (40 grams or about 1.5 ounces) a day may help improve overall sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness in healthy young adults. The research was funded by the California Walnut Commission and conducted by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Barcelona, in Spain.
The scientists looked into the potential impact that daily walnut intake could have on specified urine biomarkers, which in turn reveal changes in the levels of sleep-regulating hormone, melatonin, in the body.
Overall sleep quality improvement in a nutshell
As part of the study, the research team investigated the impact of the fruit on sleep quality parameters, such as daytime sleepiness, how long it takes for someone to fall asleep after lights out (sleep latency), how many times and for how long you wake up after effectively falling asleep (wake after sleep onset and awakenings), and the percentage of sleep time compared to total bed time (efficiency).
Researchers found that after four weeks eating walnuts, melatonin, significantly increased in participants’ evening urine samples compared to the control cohort. Walnut intake also shortened the time it took participants to fall asleep by 1.3 minutes, improved overall sleep quality scores, and reduced self-reported daytime sleepiness.
“With over one in three American adults not meeting the recommended amount of sleep per night, our results open the door to future research in other age groups and in people with sleep disorders,” said Maria Izquierdo-Pulido, professor at the Departament of Nutrition Sciences and Gastronomy at the University of Barcelona, and lead researcher of the study.
A natural sleep-inducing cocktail
The researchers explain that walnuts have a unique combination of sleep-supportive nutrients. Among them, are plant-based melatonin, tryptophan (a precursor to melatonin), magnesium, and an array of various types of vitamin B.
This study is among the first to demonstrate walnuts’ potential as a sleep-supporting food, and though findings are positive, more research is needed to fully understand the physiological dynamic linking walnuts to a good night sleep.
As the second half of summer unfolds, Creekside Organics of Bakersfield, CA is delivering a fresh, flavorful lineup of organic fruit designed to bring energy and momentum to produce departments nationwide.
With organic grapes and melons now shipping in peak volumes, Creekside is meeting the moment with consistent availability, strong varietal diversity, and packs that align with retail execution strategies.
Fruit World, a part of the Creekside Organics family of brands, is currently shipping its seasonal grape program through late September. This year’s standout offerings include organic Thomcord and conventional Kyoho varieties.
The company’s signature Thomcord grapes—a cross between Concord and Thompson Seedless—are beloved for their nostalgic, intensely “grapey” flavor and wide consumer appeal. These are available in one-pound clamshells and two-pound paper totes to meet a variety of merchandising needs.
Creekside Organics is also in the heart of its organic melon season, with cantaloupes, honeydews, Hami, and mini seedless watermelons now shipping in promotable volumes through the end of October.
About Creekside Organics, Inc.
Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading, certified organic grower-shipper in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Creekside entered into a 50/50 merger with Fruit World in 2025; a move that amplified its commitment to sustaining a prosperous future for family farms. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside remains committed to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. For more information visit creeksideorganics.com.
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As the 2025 harvest has pear orchards in the Pacific Northwest abuzz with activity, USA Pears is projecting a bountiful crop, with yields exceeding last year’s harvest by an estimated 60 percent. In a press release, the industry organization attributed the forecast to a relatively mild winter and favorable overall growing conditions.
The robust supply initially generated some market stability-related anxiety among growers, due to the recent closure of the industry’s largest canner. Fortunately, a USDA relief effort for up to $20 million for Northwest Bartlett pear growers is setting the stage to make 2025 an excellent year for USA Pears.
“Our growers in Washington and Oregon are excited about the quality and quantity of this year’s crop, and their enthusiasm is contagious as they bring more than 10 varieties and an abundant volume of fruit to market well into 2026,” says CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears.
The pear harvest will continue through fall, which, combined with proper storage, means the fruit will be available to American consumers nearly year-round.
This last harvest report from USA Pears brings some long-awaited hope to growers in the country. Last year, the industry reported a historically low production volume, with a whopping 20 percent drop, totaling 470,000 metric tons—the smallest harvest since the 1967/68 season.
The organization attributed the 2024 decrease to damaging January freezes and a cold spring that impacted major producing states like Washington, Oregon, and California.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The decline in Florida’s citrus crop continues.
According to a collection of annual reports, released Aug. 29 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Florida’s total citrus acreage declined 24% this year compared to last. Total production is down 28% across all classes of citrus. While lemons were added to Florida’s production this past year, some counties saw staggering losses.
According to the annual Florida Commercial Citrus Inventory report, the state had 208,183 total acres of citrus for the 2024-25 year, representing roughly 32,538,800 trees. This is down 24% compared to the 2024 annual report, with a net loss of 66,522 acres, representing about 42,131,500 trees.
The 2024-25 acreage numbers are less than a quarter of what they were in 2000 (832,275 acres) when the survey data began.
By variety, orange acres took the largest hit, both proportionally and in raw acreage. At 183,860 acres, Florida’s orange acres are down almost 26% compared to last year’s 248,028 acres. For the 2024-25 year, orange acres represented 88.3% of total Florida citrus acres.
By comparison, total grapefruit acres (12,787) declined 10.6% from the prior year, and total specialty citrus acres (11,536) were down 6.6%.
The only variety within the report’s categories to see additional acreage in the 2025 report compared to the 2024 report was “other citrus,” part of the specialty citrus category. “Other citrus” includes lemons and excludes mandarins. That subcategory saw an additional 590 acres (11.4%) with a total of 5,762 acres in the current report.
Idaho and East Oregon onion acreage will continue its upward trend in 2025.
Growers in the Snake River Valley, which runs through southwest Idaho and Malheur County in Oregon, planted 23,592 acres of onions in 2025, up from 22,583 acres in 2024, according to the National Onion Association. Annual production averages about 20 million 50-pound units.
Eagle Eye Produce of Iona, ID began its onion harvest the week of Aug. 4 in Idaho, Oregon and Washington, which was a little earlier than usual. Harvest should continue into early October.
The company, which has a year-round onion program, will have a complete line of red, yellow and white onions as well as sweet yellow onions this season. Acreage at Eagle Eye Produce is up slightly this year due to the acquisition of the Baker and Murakami warehouse in Ontario, OR.
Snake River Produce of Nyssa, OR, sees a very nice crop this year that is on schedule with similar acreage to last year.
The company ships mainly yellow Spanish sweet onions and also has some red and white varieties.
The season started after mid-August, and the company will ship storage onions into mid-April.
Owyhee Produce of Parma, ID, which grows, packs and processes potatoes, started harvesting onions July 1 and expects to have onions coming from Idaho year-round. Volume should be up a little from a year ago.
Owyhee Produce offers red, yellow and white potatoes and has a sweet red variety.
*****
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The Illinois Farm Bureau Associate reports despite adverse weather, this year’s production increased over 30 million pounds, and pumpkins are ready for shipping.
Previous seasons ranged from 652 million pounds in 2021 to 690 million pounds in 2023, an increase of approximately 15,000 acres. Total loadings this season are expected to be average to a bit above average.
Despite positive projections, weather conditions varied across Illinois this year, leading to disparities in pumpkin size and yield. Scavuzzo says some growers faced delayed planting due to wet conditions, while others contended with drought.
Illinois leads US pumpkin production, particularly for processing. Between 70 and 80 percent of the state’s pumpkin acreage is dedicated to canning and food ingredient uses, with most crops grown under contract with processors.
Canned pumpkin or pumpkin pie mix from processed pumpkins accounts for 85 percent of the volume. This is led by pumpkin puree, which serves as the base for products ranging from pie filling to baked goods and beverages.
However, ornamental pumpkins used for seasonal retail displays also make up a significant share of Illinois’ production. Growers continue to see increasing demand for specialty varieties such as White and Bumpy gourds.
The state is also home to high-profile producers such as Sarah Frey, known for pioneering large-scale pumpkin supply to major retailers and for her role in promoting Illinois as a national pumpkin leader.
While processing contracts bring a level of stability to growers, the ornamental market remains highly sensitive to consumer trends and weather conditions. There are six to eight weeks to sell pumpkins.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
A four percent increase is predicted for Peruvian table grape exports for the 2025-26 season. The forecast reveals 86,123,321 8.2-kilo boxes (39,872 containers), compared to the 82,890,138 boxes (38,375 containers) shipped in the previous season (2024-25). This is according to Agraria, the Association of Table Grape Producers and Exporters of Peru (Provid).
This is the association’s first estimate, and it will be progressively updated as the 2025-26 season progresses.
Peru’s table grape campaign can be divided into four stages: August-October (week 34 to week 42), where 5 percent of the projected volume is expected to be shipped; October-December (week 43 to week 51), where 57 percent would be shipped; December-February (week 52 to week 8), where 34 percent would be exported; and February-March (week 9 to week 17), where the remaining 5 percent would be allocated.
The total projected volume for the 2025-26 campaign, the northern region (Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, and Áncash) would ship 39.6 million boxes, which would represent an increase of 1.5 percent compared to the 39.0 million boxes shipped in the previous campaign. The north would account for 46 percent of the total.
Meanwhile, shipments from the south (Lima, Ica, Arequipa, and Moquegua) would total 46.6 million boxes, representing a 6.4 percent increase compared to the 43.8 million boxes exported in the 2024-25 campaign. This region would account for 54 percent of the total.
In the northern campaign, the largest volumes to be shipped would be reported in the second period. From August to October (week 34 to week 42), 10 percent would be shipped; from October to December (week 43 to week 51), 83 percent would be shipped; from December to February (week 52 to week 8), 7 percent would be exported; and from February to March (week 9 to week 17), only 0.01 percent of the total would be shipped.
In the southern campaign, being later than the northern one, the peak would be recorded in the third period. From August to October (week 34 to week 42), 1 percent would be shipped; from October to December (week 43 to week 51), 34 percent would be shipped; from December to February (week 52 to week 8), 57 percent would be exported; and from February to March (week 9 to week 17), the remaining 8 percent would be shipped.
Peru’s avocado revolution continues to expand in both new and established markets. In the first six months of 2025, the Latin American country’s avocado exports to the U.S. increased 42 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the Peruvian Exporters Association (ADEX), these deliveries generated a profit of $134 million for Peru.
The North American market is Peru’s third-largest export destination for avocados, following the Netherlands and Spain.
Overall, Peruvian avocado shipments increased 16 percent, totaling over $917 million. The increase was mainly driven by an 18 percent order uptick from the Netherlands, which accounts for 33.5 percent of total avocado exports.
Fresh avocados make up more than 95 percent of the country’s fruit exports, making it over $876 million. Other profitable categories are frozen avocados ($32.897 million) and avocado pulp or purée ($7.961 million).
According to Trade Map, in 2024, Peru was the world’s second-largest avocado exporter, second only to Mexico and ahead of the Netherlands, Spain, Morocco, Colombia, Chile, and Israel.
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA released this strawberry market report September 22, 2025:
Rain is forecast for the Santa Maria and Oxnard, California regions on Tuesday, September 23. Growers will pack ahead of the rain to ensure better quality. Expect tight stocks and strong markets through next week.
Santa Maria/Oxnard
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Quality concerns include decay, pin-rot, and water damage
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Size is small-medium (18 to 24 per one-pound clamshell)
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Salinas/Watsonville
- MFC Strawberries are available; quality and color are good
- Size is currently 16 to 25 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
- Some bruising, white shoulders, and light mildew are being reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Mexico/South Texas
- New crop harvesting is expected to start in mid-November
- Product will cross into South Texas
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
After two straight years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) BB #:145473 at the organization’s 130th annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.
Authored by USApple Vice President of Insights and Analytics, Chris Gerlach, Industry Outlook 2025* provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade.
*The Outlook Report features the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates. Following the presentation of these figures, USApple members met in person to discuss current growing conditions and develop a more up-to-date production forecast — the numbers below reflect that adjustment.
U.S. Production
According to USApple’s analysis, total U.S. apple production for the 2025/26 crop year (CY) is forecast at:
• 11.7 billion pounds / 278.5 million bushels
• Up 1.3% from last year
• 3.6% above the five-year production average
These figures are more comprehensive than the USDA data, which only reflect the top seven apple-producing states. USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds that into USDA’s figure. It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day.
“The U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” said Gerlach. “That said, growers carefully select what comes off the tree to ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the store. And with skyrocketing labor costs, growers are having to be even more disciplined in their harvest decisions.”
Varietal Mix
At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot with nearly 47 million bushels, accounting for 16% of the market.
The top five:
• Gala – 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)
• Red Delicious – 39 million bushels (13%)
• Honeycrisp – 34 million bushels (12%)
• Granny Smith – 32 million bushels (11%)
• Fuji – 25 million bushels (9%)
Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp® and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink. Gala, Fuji and Rome are trending down.
Trade
While fresh apple exports declined 5% year over year, the U.S. maintained a strong trade balance in 2024/25 (July–June):
• Exports: 44M bushels
• Imports: <5M bushels
• Net exports: ~40M bushels valued at $900 million
“With another large crop on the way, maintaining and expanding exports is essential,” said Gerlach. “We’re exploring all avenues to strengthen our presence in established markets like Taiwan, Thailand, and India, while pushing to open new high-value markets such as South Korea and Japan.”
State Production
At the state level:
• Washington remains the nation’s top producer with a forecasted record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion, up 1% from 2024/25.
• New York holds the No. 2 spot at 30.5 million bushels, a 0.7% decrease from last season.
• Michigan up 10% to about 30 million bushels.
• Pennsylvania up 2% at 10.5 million bushels.
• Virginia down 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
• Oregon up 40% to 3.9 million bushels.
Global Context
According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production is more than 5 billion bushels. In 2023 (latest data point), China alone was responsible for producing 51% of the world’s total supply, with the U.S. producing the second-largest share of the global crop.
• China – 2.6 billion bushels (51% of global supply)
• United States – 5.3% of global supply
• Turkey – 4.7%
• Poland – 4%
• India – 3%
“With China down 100 million bushels and Turkey’s crop off by 40%, the U.S. has a real opportunity,” said Gerlach. “Given Turkey’s role as a major supplier to India, this could open the door for us to regain market share there.”
US APPLE
USApple is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. Our members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and almost $23 billion in economic activity.
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The quest to find new food-based approaches to improve wellness continues, and the latest scientific research points to the potential power of walnuts to provide better sleep.
A new study published in the journal Food & Function reveals that eating a handful of walnuts (40 grams or about 1.5 ounces) a day may help improve overall sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness in healthy young adults. The research was funded by the California Walnut Commission and conducted by an interdisciplinary team at the University of Barcelona, in Spain.
The scientists looked into the potential impact that daily walnut intake could have on specified urine biomarkers, which in turn reveal changes in the levels of sleep-regulating hormone, melatonin, in the body.
Overall sleep quality improvement in a nutshell
As part of the study, the research team investigated the impact of the fruit on sleep quality parameters, such as daytime sleepiness, how long it takes for someone to fall asleep after lights out (sleep latency), how many times and for how long you wake up after effectively falling asleep (wake after sleep onset and awakenings), and the percentage of sleep time compared to total bed time (efficiency).
Researchers found that after four weeks eating walnuts, melatonin, significantly increased in participants’ evening urine samples compared to the control cohort. Walnut intake also shortened the time it took participants to fall asleep by 1.3 minutes, improved overall sleep quality scores, and reduced self-reported daytime sleepiness.
“With over one in three American adults not meeting the recommended amount of sleep per night, our results open the door to future research in other age groups and in people with sleep disorders,” said Maria Izquierdo-Pulido, professor at the Departament of Nutrition Sciences and Gastronomy at the University of Barcelona, and lead researcher of the study.
A natural sleep-inducing cocktail
The researchers explain that walnuts have a unique combination of sleep-supportive nutrients. Among them, are plant-based melatonin, tryptophan (a precursor to melatonin), magnesium, and an array of various types of vitamin B.
This study is among the first to demonstrate walnuts’ potential as a sleep-supporting food, and though findings are positive, more research is needed to fully understand the physiological dynamic linking walnuts to a good night sleep.
As the second half of summer unfolds, Creekside Organics of Bakersfield, CA is delivering a fresh, flavorful lineup of organic fruit designed to bring energy and momentum to produce departments nationwide.
With organic grapes and melons now shipping in peak volumes, Creekside is meeting the moment with consistent availability, strong varietal diversity, and packs that align with retail execution strategies.
Fruit World, a part of the Creekside Organics family of brands, is currently shipping its seasonal grape program through late September. This year’s standout offerings include organic Thomcord and conventional Kyoho varieties.
The company’s signature Thomcord grapes—a cross between Concord and Thompson Seedless—are beloved for their nostalgic, intensely “grapey” flavor and wide consumer appeal. These are available in one-pound clamshells and two-pound paper totes to meet a variety of merchandising needs.
Creekside Organics is also in the heart of its organic melon season, with cantaloupes, honeydews, Hami, and mini seedless watermelons now shipping in promotable volumes through the end of October.
About Creekside Organics, Inc.
Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading, certified organic grower-shipper in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Creekside entered into a 50/50 merger with Fruit World in 2025; a move that amplified its commitment to sustaining a prosperous future for family farms. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside remains committed to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. For more information visit creeksideorganics.com.
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