This season’s Washington apple crop is likely to be down around 5.8 million cartons on earlier estimates - but it will still be a positive year for the US state.
Experts had estimated a crop of 99.6m cartons in August - a prediction which rose to 101.6m in October - but the reality is likely to be 5.8m down on August’s prediction.
With what was anticipated as the second-largest apple crop in history, growers have welcomed a high-quality apple crop with fruit sizing up in 2009.
Current trends suggest positive news for Washington’s apple growers, having completed a historically high crop volume in 2008, which included a slow autumn kick-off and inadequate prices.
In addition to a reduced crop volume, sales movement has been excellent, driven by high quality and increased consumer acceptance by both domestic and international markets, according to reports.
As expected, Fuji and Granny Smith are well below estimated volumes, down a combined 4m cartons.
Golden Delicious will see total volume drop by 1.9m cartons on 2008, as it is an alternate bearing variety. Red Delicious and Gala were very close or at estimate, making up 52 per cent of Washington’s total crop volume.
The state has sold around 17.3 per cent of its volume as of November 1, up on the 14 per cent of the corresponding 2008 period.
A report from the state said: “Washington’s apple industry is in overdrive to fulfil demand as the new crop gains momentum and consumer support worldwide.
“Fruit sizing this season is definitely larger than last season as Washington suffered with an abundance of small apples. 2009 provides sizing back to normal, and in some varieties, one size larger than traditional. The true value of Washington’s apple crop should be in the large size category, primarily 72s and larger. Expectations are for mid- to small-sized apple prices to firm up and increase as we progress into Californian fruits.”
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