Pennsylvania is coming into a larger apple crop this season.
“We have a really nice crop--great flavor and quality with higher volumes across most varieties,” says Brenda Briggs of Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA. “In general, fruit sizing is on the larger side.”
Early season varieties are harvested including Gingergold, Gala, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia (above), SnapDragon and early Fujis.
Currently, Rice Fruit Company is getting into the final third of its harvest. Its early season apple varieties are all in, including Gingergold, Gala, Honeycrisp, Ambrosia, SnapDragon and early Fujis. With Red and Golden Delicious nearly all in, attention will shift to later season varieties including Pink Lady and Evercrisp. “SnapDragon and Ambrosia are new to our mix this season. Snaps have a “monster” crunch and a bold, flavorful bite. Ambrosia apples have a more subtle flavor that is pleasant and sweet,” says Briggs. “Looking forward, we are excited to partner with Giumarra to bring Lemonade apples to market. We expect to have our first crop in 2023.”
Rice Fruit started the season a few days early and anticipates wrapping up harvest in late October and into early November.
Strong apple demand
As far as demand, Briggs notes the season started off well. “It feels like fall and apple season--sales are strong and we are delivering lots of freshly harvested apples to fill store shelves,” says Briggs.
While each season comes with its challenges in getting fruit from the orchard to in-store, this year of course supply chain issues are a concern. “Everything from securing packaging, pallets, trucks, etc,” says Briggs. “Yet our resourcefulness and proximity to our customers allow us to deliver product on time.”
Rice Fruit started the season a few days early and anticipates wrapping up harvest in late October and into early November.
Those supply chain issues are also making their way into pricing. “In general, pricing is up over the last few years and it’s a direct reflection of increased costs,” says Briggs. “Not unlike other sectors of the market, shortages of labor, supplies and transportation contribute to the increases. Yet, most of our customers are within a day’s drive so we can offer a more economical choice for our regionally based customers.”
For more information:
Brenda Briggs
Rice Fruit Co.
Tel : +1 (800) 627-3359
brenda.briggs@ricefruit.com
https://ricefruit.com/