Fruit sizing on apples out of Washington state this season will favour the UK market. “This season Gala, Braeburn and Pink Lady are all a little on the small side,” said George Allan, chairman of the board of the Washington Apple Commission. “Last year Gala, for example was peaking at about an 88 count whereas this season it is peaking at 100.”
The 2004-05 season also saw sizes on the large side for Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji and Red Delicious, whereas this year counts are down to 80-88s.
The main reason for the smaller sizing is the weather in May. “We had a cool May which meant that there was not so much cell division just after bloom,” said Allan. “If there are not enough cells, you do not get big fruit. You can therefore tell in May if fruit size is going to be down or not. We definitely have more fruit in the UK size profile.”
So far movement of fruit onto the market has been better than last year with the season getting off to a flying start. “We also started picking earlier than most years - about four to five days earlier on Gala, for example, “ explained Allan.
Fruit quality is extremely good this season, he added: “We have some really good fruit this year and sugar levels are higher than usual. This is more to do with conditions at harvest, which were ideal. There was not a lot of rain and people have been able to harvest pretty early.” Shipments of smaller size organic apples to the UK are just beginning.
On pricing, larger sizes are achieving a slight premium over smaller at this stage in the season. And Allan admits that larger Gala is making “decent” money. The sector remains hopeful that this, along with the fast start to the season, will help to keep movement brisk and ensure profitable sales for the rest of the season, so off setting the impact of smaller sizing on average prices.
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