The New York apple crop could be down by approximately 20 percent in volume this 2023-2024 season. “Most of this is attributed to the frost in the spring at bloom time. It’s region-specific and different varieties have different timing,” says Tim Mansfield with Sun Orchard Fruit Co., adding that aside from that, New York saw a good growing season with lots of fun and adequate amounts of rain.
The earlier districts in New York started harvest about 10 days ago on the earliest varieties while the later districts are just beginning their harvest. “It’s maybe just a day or two later than the average start time,” says Mansfield, noting that harvest will go until mid to late October.
In terms of varieties, Sun Orchard Fruit will begin with varieties such as Ginger Golds and early Honeycrisp and then move into other varieties such as Galas, McIntosh and later Honeycrisp.
Demand strong again?
On demand, Mansfield believes that once again demand this year for New York apples will be good. “I think demand will stay that way through the season though Washington has a good-sized crop this year so there will be some competition,” he says.
To help with the steady movement of apples and longer-term protection of the storage crop, Sun Orchard Fruit is also incorporating newer technologies into its dynamic controlled atmosphere (CA) storage. “This allows us to monitor the respiration rate of the apples in CA storage and keep oxygen levels lower than we have in the past. This will do a better job of storing the apples long-term because they will stay crisper and have better flavor later into the season,” he says.
As for pricing, Mansfield thinks that the pricing will look similar to last year, in part due to Washington’s effect on pricing.
For more information:
Tim Mansfield
Sun Orchard Fruit Co.
Tel: +1 (716) 778-8544
[email protected]
https://www.sunorchardapples.com