With the Ontario apple crop harvest just ahead, signs are showing that this year's crop looks good and should have a similar yield as last year, with some varietal increases such as new plantings of Gala. Red Prince apple volume also continues to expand. "We have had a frost-free spring with good budding and the season is providing good size and colour," says Ken Lyons of the Blue Mountain Fruit Company. "While we are in a bit of a drought right now, all of our orchards have drip irrigation. At this point, all varieties seem to be coming on as planned."
© Blue Mountain Fruit Co.
In terms of growing conditions, the beginning and the end of bloom had a few warm days, which helped pollination. Meanwhile, June saw heavy rains, while July and August have been very dry. This means growers without irrigation will likely still have volume, but maybe smaller-sized fruit.
As for picking, it should likely begin September 10. "Harvest is lining up to be a few days later than last year, but overall, it's the regular timing," says Lyons. This follows a busy summer with pruning and managing the bloom and growth rate.
This Ontario apple crop is anticipated to be met with strong demand, with the locally grown consumer message providing retailers support. "Support for older varieties of apples is diminishing, and the selling season by retailers in an attempt to update their shelves with newer, exciting varieties to interest their customers," says Lyons.
© Blue Mountain Fruit Co.
Change on imports
At the same time, overall apple consumption has been very consistent. "What is changing over time is the shrinking import quantities as Ontario growers have been growing orchard production and supporting controlled atmosphere (CA) to lengthen the local selling season," says Lyons.
For Blue Mountain Fruit, also helping its demand is an expansion in distribution–while the company is based and started with distribution in Ontario, this harvest year it will begin "Aliment Du Quebec" identification of foods grown in Quebec with its Quebec growers' crop in the Quebec market. It is also already in full production in the Maritimes, and this year also marks the second year it's pushed into Western Canada with distribution in the retail chain Sobeys/Thrifty's.
© Blue Mountain Fruit Co.
As for pricing, it's expected to be similar to last year, and growers also continue to be challenged by labor rates, cost, and red tape to bring in migratory workers. "We are combating that with automation both in the packing facility and in our orchards," says Lyons.
For more information:
Ken Lyons
Blue Mountain Fruit Company
Tel: +1 (519) 599-2125
[email protected]
www.bluemountainfruitcompany.com
