“Industry-wide, Washington apples are smaller in size this year compared to last year,” says Brianna Shales with Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, WA. “In general, the crop is coming in one to two sizes smaller than normal, with higher volumes of 100s, 113s, and 125s this season.” Fuji and Honeycrisp sizing is still within the normal range, as the two varieties tend to be larger in size than most normally. Smaller sizing is caused by high temperatures this summer. Consistent days of 90⁰F + slowed down the growth.
Two-thirds has been harvested
Stemilt is approximately two-thirds complete with harvest of its apple crop. “Usually, we harvest until the first frost ends harvest, which normally comes in early November,” said Shales. “This year, harvest started about 10 days earlier due to the warm temperatures, so we are hopeful that we’ll be finished ahead of the first freeze.”
Varieties start to shift
“Despite smaller sizing, we see lots of promotable opportunities for retailers,” mentioned Shales. “This year’s quality is very good and we have good volumes of the apple varieties that consumers prefer due to new acreage coming into production and replantings.” The Red Delicious crop volume is down industry-wide, while the popular Honeycrisp variety is up in volume. “Smaller sizing also offers an opportunity to sell more bagged apples. Although bulk apples still dominate in the retail store, bags can make up 30-40 percent of retailer apple category sales, especially in a year where smaller fruit size dominates,” said Shales.
For more information:
Brianna Shales
Stemilt
Tel: (+1) 509-662-9667