Apple orchards in the Northeast emerged from a long winter with no significant damage and a strong bloom, which has laid the foundation for an excellent crop across virtually all eastern varieties.
Brett Baker, corporate vice-president and co-owner of United Apple Sales and a third-generation apple grower in western New York, indicated United is excited about a very strong crop after last year’s season that experienced some stress from drought.
Right: Brett Baker
“We had a good spring and solid summer with ample rain and consistent sunshine. The eastern region has not suffered from the extreme heat that has affected the upper Northwest. Trees have good foliage and are loaded with fruit. The cool nights in the Northeast are helping develop high color, flavorful fruit.
“Our mainline varietals such as Fuji, Gala, Ginger Golds and Macs are showing a good balance between increased volume and larger fruit sizing,” said Baker. He indicated that the club variety orchards for EverCrisp, Ruby Frost and Snap Dragon are maturing and producing more fruit with the preferred sizing that retailers are seeking for trays ranging from 72 Ct to 88 Ct. This complements the volume of smaller fruit used for bagging programs.
The cool nights in the Northeast are helping develop high color, flavorful fruit.
Picking for early varietals is on track with Paula Red and Ginger Golds starting in mid-August. Gala and McIntosh will start in early September, Honeycrisp mid-September and Fuji late September.
Baker indicated that during the height of the pandemic consumers opted for bagged fruit due to concerns about handling of bulk fruit and food safety. “We will have a full manifest of sizes across our regional varieties to work with retail partners, and offer a complement of packs,” said Baker.
Weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest have created unprecedented heat that has affected a cross section of fruit including cherries, apples and pears.
Left to right: Brandon Derrick; Josh Tunstall
Josh Tunstall, United Apple’s vice-president of West Coast Operations, indicated it is too early to assess the conditions of the full crop. “My experience is that each year has its own unique conditions and 2021 will be no different. There will be some challenges but no real significant changes to the harvest schedule as early Gala started in late July, and Honeycrisp and other varieties will be ready in late August and early September,” said Tunstall.
The current projection is that the Washington volume will be greater in 2021 with 130 million cases vs. the 118 million cases in 2020.
“With our diverse grower base, we are confident we will have the volume of both conventional and organic varieties to fully support our retail partners,” said Tunstall.
United Apple has also brought on a new sales associate to assist with business development and account management. Brandon Derrick joined the corporate staff in the Lyndonville, NY headquarters.
“We are excited to have Brandon join United. His experience with retail customers and export/import companies will be helpful as we expand our domestic programs and new initiatives with international clients and markets,” said Baker.
For more information:
Brett Baker
United Apple Sales
Tel: +1 (585) 765-2460
https://unitedapplesales.com/
