US apples start early

The apple harvest has begun ahead of schedule in some states in the US. “The extremely warm spring in the East and Midwest has translated into a very early season and harvest has begun in these states,” said Kris Marceca of the US Apple Export Council.

“California and Washington are weeks behind normal timing - California’s crop does look good this season…various reports say that Washington is going to have a record crop - but size may be down - it’s been dry and not very favourable growing conditions - but there are still a few weeks to go.”

Official US crop forecasts are due on August 20.