Washington's apple growers are navigating changing consumer preferences and increasing production challenges despite an expected 135 million boxes of fruit harvested in 2025, equal to about 5.4 billion pounds. The state accounts for roughly 70% of U.S. apple output and 4% of the global crop, generating an estimated US$8 billion in economic impact and supporting around 70,000 jobs, according to the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
Growers have shifted from traditional varieties such as Red and Golden Delicious, once the backbone of the industry, to consumer-driven cultivars like Gala, Honeycrisp, and Cosmic Crisp. However, the cost and complexity of growing Honeycrisp have become a major concern. "We wanted an apple that would increase consumption, and bless Honeycrisp's heart, because it did that. The nation fell in love with Honeycrisp. But it's really hard to grow," said grower Geoff Thornton from Tonasket. "A really good Honeycrisp crop would be packing 60%, throwing away 40%."
Honeycrisp's thin skin, calcium deficiencies, and inconsistent yields make it one of the most labor-intensive varieties to produce. Each apple must be hand-picked and clipped to prevent damage. Thornton added that "they're always like, 'What can you do for me?' A little extra nutrient spray, special water irrigation program; we'll have a lot one year and we won't have any the next." Washington's 2025 crop is composed mainly of Gala (18%), followed by Honeycrisp and Granny Smith (15% each), Red Delicious (12%), and Cosmic Crisp, Fuji, and Cripps Pink.
Despite a strong overall harvest, profitability remains uncertain. "I grew 15 million pounds of fruit as a small family farm, 400 acres, built it myself working every day, and I lost $1.5 million for my effort. We're overproduced," Thornton said. Inflation, higher labor costs, and volatile export conditions have compounded growers' difficulties. Jon Devaney of the tree fruit association noted, "Growers and farmers in general are generally the only folks who pay retail for everything, sell wholesale and pay the transportation both ways."
Growers continue to invest in new Washington-bred varieties such as SugarBee and Cosmic Crisp, hoping they will better adapt to local conditions and market shifts. "You can spend upwards of $70,000 per acre putting in the trees, setting up a trellis, irrigation, waiting three to five years," Devaney said. For now, producers are balancing market volatility with long-term planning in a sector defined by shifting consumer tastes.
Source: The Spokesman-Review
