Washington state looks as though it will produce slightly fewer apples than its 2023 crop. The initial estimate for the 2024 crop indicates that overall, the crop is down nine percent year over year while the Honeycrisp variety will see a double-digit decrease of 26 percent over last year, which had a sizable Honeycrisp crop. Meanwhile, the Cosmic Crisp variety continues to come into production and will see an increase of 40 percent. "The national apple crop estimate is still forthcoming. It's still early to make an overall prediction on sizing, but we are seeing a good size range in the first apple orchards, and varieties we've harvested are good quality with high colors," says Brianna Shales of Stemilt Growers LLC.
Throughout the apple growing season, weather conditions have been good with both a normal spring and a mild start to summer.
So where will that leave the overall apple supply? While 2022 had little carryover because it was a short crop, 2023 does have carryover which will allow for many varieties to seamlessly transition from old crop to new crop. "Early varieties are off to a good start with promotions planned for the fall timing, including the back-to-school period," says Shales. "Apples generally grow in display size and placement in the produce department in the early fall months. Last year was a return of apple volumes after a particularly low crop in 2022. We look forward to building off that and helping retailers promote a mix of apples since the Honeycrisp crop is down in volume."
The Cosmic Crisp variety continues to come into production and will see an increase of 40 percent.
Carryover and varieties
Right now in varieties, Stemilt Growers is harvesting and packing Rave, Gala, and getting started with SweeTango apples. (Shales also says while there is carryover crop, there isn't as much with the first varieties off the tree–both Rave and SweeTango are starting with no carryover, and Gala has transitioned well from old crop to new.) "We have three months to harvest a lot of apples and are focused on fruit quality and storability," says Shales, adding that the timing of this crop is similar to historic timing. "We've had heat in Washington State but color appears to be coming on nicely with early varieties."
Throughout the growing season, the weather conditions have been good with both a normal spring and a mild start to summer. While July and early August had higher temperatures, nighttime cooler temperatures have helped the apple trees reenergize.
Stemilt Growers is harvesting and packing Rave, Gala (left) apple varieties, and getting started as well with SweeTango apples (right).
As for pricing, the volume from the 2023 apple crop is putting pressure on pricing. "The 2024 crop is a good volume crop with plenty of promotion opportunities, but with some changes in the volume of varieties (like Honeycrisp), we expect pricing to trend upward," says Shales, adding that it is working to promote apples as part of the back-to-school timeframe at retail. (Apple promotions this season will include both core and club varieties that become more available as they're harvested.)
Stemilt Growers also hopes that its new initiatives, including offering a sustainable four-pack of organic apples, will also help move apples.
For more information:
Brianna Shales
Stemilt Growers LLC
[email protected]
https://www.stemilt.com/