“Popular varieties of apples like Gala, Granny and Golden Delicious are currently in short supply,” says Sally Symms of Caldwell, Idaho-based Symms Fruit Ranch. “But with the 2018 Gala Season rapidly approaching, supply for Galas will improve in a few weeks.”
Meanwhile in Washington, Fourth Leaf Fruit Co. of Yakima reports some tight supplies currently as well. “We are packing the last of last year’s Red Delicious crop so supplies for us are low. Harvest will begin in full force over the next few weeks,” says Fourth Leaf’s Steve Black.
Red Delicious on the line at Fourth Leaf
As far as other varieties, Symms says that both Granny and Gold Delicious apples will start closer to October, leaving supplies on those varieties short for the next four to six weeks. At the same time, Black is noting that early Golden Delicious varieties including Gold Supreme and Gingergold are available in both organic and conventional while upcoming will be Gala, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious.
Export opportunities
As far as sales go, exporting North American apples continue to be a bright spot for growers. “We’re seeing heavy demand from other countries such as India, China and Mexico for Red Delicious and Gala apples,” Black says. “Export markets are expanding and buying more fruit each season. I see this trend continuing.”
Inspecting apples at Fourth Leaf.
That’s a welcome trend on top of an already strong domestic demand for apples. “For many varieties, demand in the US is very strong for the new crop apples to start,” says Symms. “Once we reach October, there will be a spike in demand for Central America and Scandinavia for the Christmas apple season.”
Solid pricing?
Looking ahead, Symms adds that pricing should start out strong since the supply is expected to be lower than previous seasons. And Black adds that market pricing hasn’t been established yet. “But some quotes have been made for early ads and they are generally 10 per cent higher than quotes this time last season,” he says.
For more information:
Sally Symms
Symms Fruit Ranch
Tel: +1 208 459 4821
sally@symmsfruit.com
www.symmsfruit.com
Steve Black
Fourth Leaf Fruit Co.
Tel: +1-(509) 249-4219
Steve@4thlfc.com
www.holtzingerfruit.com