"We’ve become internationally known for our Red and Golden Delicious apples,” says Suzanne Wolter with Evans Fruit Company. “Although a high percentage of our production is Red Delicious, we’ve transitioned numerous acres into higher colored strains of Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady and Honeycrisp to serve North American markets. As other Washington growers started taking out Red Delicious trees, our export business increased significantly.” Today, Evans Fruit Company exports its apples to 30 different countries across the globe.
Significant increase in demand from India
This year, demand from India has really gone up. “Trade with India has been brisk with Washington State seeing a 50 percent volume increase,” said Wolter. She believes two factors are driving the increase in demand from India; the trade block between India and China as well as Europe’s low volume crop this season. “There is a border dispute between China and India and as a result, the Chinese can’t export to India this season,” Wolter mentioned. In addition, the volume of Europe’s apple crop is down significantly compared to other years and the continent has fewer apples available for exports.
India market prefers smaller apple
The demand from India is working out well for Evans Fruit Company and other Washington growers. “Our crop size has been smaller this year and contrary to Chinese and US customers, Indian consumers prefer a smaller size apple. “Their preferred size structure is 88 and smaller while Chinese consumers ask for 88 and larger,” Wolter said. The Indian market primarily wants Red Delicious, which fits well with Evans’ supplies.
Long-term impact of tariffs
China is viewed as a potential growth market due to the growing middle class and acute interest in high quality, safe food products. However, the increased tariffs are creating a concern. “It’s the long-term impact of this and any other type of trade barrier that can be most devastating,” said Wolter. “When US export markets are disrupted, our international trading partners may establish relationships in another part of the world. Earning that business back is a long-term proposition.” Approximately 30 percent of the US fresh apple crop is exported each year. “Therefore, competitive international trade is critical to the health of the US apple industry.”
Focus on growth in North America
Although exports are an important part of Evans Fruit Company’s business, the company’s focus is to grow in the US and Canada. “With our well-rounded product mix, we have the ability to supply the domestic market with high-quality product,” said Wolter. “We have very well-recognized brands, but not everyone associates our brands to Evans Fruit Company, referring to Top Red, Galaxy, Flavor Crest, Flavorland, Rainbow and Top Most. It’s the company’s primary goal this year to connect the Evans Fruit Company name to the many brands it represents. One way to do this is by increasing its participation in various industry organizations. “It’s been about 15 years since we last exhibited at CPMA, but we will be back this year.” 
Do it well and don’t talk about it
The company was founded by Bill and Jeannette Evans back in 1949 with a vision to produce year-round consistently flavorful fruit farmed on their own orchards. Bill and Jeannette put their hearts and souls into quietly producing exceptional fruit. The company will continue to embrace this philosophy but will also have a more visible industry presence going forward.
Please come and visit Evans Fruit Company at CPMA booth #1152.
For more information:
Suzanne Wolter
Evans Fruit Company
Tel: 509-678-4127