Apple movement out of the Pacific Northwest will be steady for the remainder of 2023 and through 2024, as the estimated industry volume for the 2023 crop is 139 million boxes of apples. That’s up approximately 30 percent over the 2022 crop year.
“Like the industry, Sage Fruit will also see a significant increase in volume across all varieties, which allows us to better serve our customer base year-round,” says Kaci Komstadius of Sage Fruit, adding that thanks to efficient growing methods, advancement in technology and controlled atmosphere storage, the company will carry its core apple varieties until new crop 2024.
While the harvest on apples started as normal, the increased volume follows a growing season that saw a late bloom. “We began harvest in early August with Galas and continued by variety, through the first part of November, where we’ll end with Pink Lady®,” says Komstadius. “The growing conditions were ideal– the warm days and cool nights throughout the summer have produced good-sized, high-quality apples.”
Varietal notes
Following the season’s start with Gala apples, the conventional varieties Sage Fruit has available also include Fuji, Granny, Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp®, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Pink Lady and Braeburn, as well as SugarBee® and Sunrise Magic®. “This season we will see an increase in our conventional and organic SugarBee volume, which we are excited about,” says Komstadius. “By having both conventional and organic SugarBee apples this crop season, we will be able to keep our retail customers and consumers happy by supplying both product lines.”
As for demand, while it always increases as new crop apples become available, it is expected that movement will remain consistent on all varieties going into the holidays.
“We continue to see an increase in the popularity of branded apple varieties like the Cosmic Crisp and SugarBee,” adds Komstadius. “Our sales and marketing teams work closely with our partners to build unique programs utilizing marketing and merchandising techniques that will increase sales at retail.”
Growth in organic apples
In addition to its conventional growth, Sage Fruit will also experience a significant increase in its overall organic volume, with its largest varietal growth in Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji and Granny Smith. In club varieties, Sage Fruit will also have organic Cosmic Crisp available.
In terms of its strongest demand, the most sought-out organic item by retailers is the organic Honeycrisp--however, organic Gala and Fuji don’t fall too far behind. “Organic Honeycrisp is a high-end consumer favorite, which has an excellent ring at the register. Though organic Gala and Fuji are an excellent option for every day, organic consumers because they are more price-friendly,” says Komstadius.
In general, organic demand remains high and is expected to stay that way. “Roughly 52 percent of organic consumers are millennials and they account for 30 percent of the U.S. population,” says Komstadius. “The majority of millennials purchasing organic items are also parents, so our organic program will continue to grow over the next several years to meet demand. Not only are we planting new acreage of organic orchards, but we are actively transitioning many of our conventional orchards.”
All of this means pricing should be favorable throughout the year and with the overall increase in volume, there will be promotional opportunities on most varieties.
For more information:
Kaci Komstadius
Sage Fruit Co.
Tel : +1 (509) 494-1968
[email protected]
https://www.sagefruit.com