Movement is good on Ontario's apple supply. "Ontario supply is quickly running out," says Ken Lyons of the Blue Mountain Fruit Company. "Last year most suppliers went into summer and most will be out before summer this year."
The Blue Mountain Fruit team.
He says demand is good though it will slow down with spring and summer approaching. "The volume available has also been influenced by the USA/Canada relationship," he adds.
This is movement on a crop that began harvesting earlier than usual last fall due to weather and harvesting on earlier varieties. Lyons says the season's end will be in the spring/summer due to lower imports of U.S. apples.
Pricing up on Ontario apples
All of this is leaving pricing steady for this pack season and stronger than last year at this time. "The biggest challenges though are competing with U.S. pricing and marketing new varieties," says Lyons, adding that Blue Mountain Fruit continues to trial new varieties in the orchards to find the right fit for the market.
Looking ahead, sales of Ontario apples should remain strong thanks as well to a heavy local "Buy Canadian" focus in stores.
Lyons says the season's end will be in the spring/summer due to lower imports of U.S. apples.
The company will be discussing the state of Ontario apples at the upcoming CPMA show in Montreal, Quebec April 8-10 at its booth, #2023. "At this year's show, we're looking forward to continuous relationship building with industry partners," adds Lyons.
For more information:
Ken Lyons
Blue Mountain Fruit Company
Tel: +1 (519) 599-2125
info@bluemountainfruitcompany.com
www.bluemountainfruitcompany.com