A news release from the Washington Apple Commission has outlined the organisation's 1 August estimate for this season's apple crop, with the commission expecting a record 140.2m cartons to be harvested.
The report said that Ideal winter and spring weather had provided perfect growing conditions for what could turn out to be a new landmark.
'We’ve been talking about this for years and it’s finally here – the August crop estimate is for the largest crop in Washington's history at 140.19m cartons, the WAC revealed. 'Compared to 2012 at 128.3m cartons, the 2014 crop is 140.1m cartons or almost 12m additional cartons.'
By variety, Gala volumes are expected to climb 15.1 per cent, with Red Delicious and Golden Delicious volumes down 1.2 per cent and 2.1 per cent respectively. Granny Smith volumes should soar by 25.3 per cent, the report stated.
'Remember, this is just an estimate and harvest will start mid-August on the earliest variety, Gala, so these numbers will change as the fruit is picked and shippers have a clearer picture of the actual pack out,' the WAC added. 'But it’s safe to say that an even fruit load distribution on the trees, more new varieties and increased industry investment in technology are combining to provide consumers with ample supplies of high quality Washington apples this season.'
