New York apple growers are predicting a bumper crop this year thanks to 'perfect' growing conditions and new plantings finally bearing fruit.
With predictions of a 100 per cent increase in volume over last year's crop, which was largely damaged by frosting, the first shipments of apples are expected to arrive in the global market from mid-August. Good pollination and a healthy mix of sun and moisture has helped the crop considerably, with growers predicting big supplies of varieties including Empire.
“We want retailers to know that we have more than rebounded from last year, thanks to much more benevolent weather and smart growers who’ve been planting more of what consumers want,” said New York Apples Association (NYAA) president Jim Allen.
The 2012 New York apples crop was estimated to have been 17.1 million bushels, while this year's crop will exceed 30 million bushels, according to the NYAA.
