Despite the challenges of the past two and a half years, the U.S. apple industry is alive and well in 2022, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association at the organization’s 127th annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.
USApple’s “Industry Outlook 2022” provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on the U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade. Authored by USApple director of industry analytics Chris Gerlach, the report takes an in-depth look at the many trends and forces to shape the U.S. apple industry.
USApple also unveiled “Newton,” an industry database and dashboard that provides a one-stop-shop for apple-related statistics.
According to a USApple analysis of Agriculture Department data, total U.S. apple production for the 2022/23 CY will be more than 10.7 billion pounds or 255 million bushels. This represents a 2.7 percent increase compared to last year’s production figure and is 3.5 percent less than the five-year production average.
Gerlach noted that these figures are more comprehensive than USDA data, which only look at the top seven apple-producing states. “We’ve analyzed the production from states outside of the top seven and added that back to USDA’s figure,” said Gerlach.
At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot with almost 46 million bushels produced, accounting for around 18 percent of the U.S. apple market. Rounding out the top five are Red Delicious (34 m bu), Fuji (26 m bu), Honeycrisp (25 m bu) and Granny Smith (24 m bu).
Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady/Cripps Pink and Cosmic Crisp. Fuji, Granny Smith and Rome varieties have remained relatively consistent compared to 2017/18 production volumes. Varieties on the decline include Golden Delicious, Gala and Red Delicious.
“On the positive side, Honeycrisp production has increased by 48 percent or 8 million bushels in the past five years,” said Gerlach. “Conversely, Red Delicious decreased by 41 percent or 24 million bushels during the same period.”
With respect to fresh apple imports and exports, the U.S. still retains a healthy positive trade balance. In the 2021/22 CY (July to June), the U.S. exported more than 38.5 million bushels of fresh apples while only importing around 6.3 million bushels. These net exports (32.2 m bu) are valued at almost $730 million.
“On a year-over-year basis, the balance of trade has declined with respect to both quantity and value,” said Gerlach. “On the quantity side, imports have increased by 20 percent over 2020/21 CY levels while exports have declined."
Gerlach also introduced the Newton Database & Dashboard, a one-stop shop for apple-related statistics. Newton gives users the ability to view preset reports or create custom queries for download. Newton’s dashboard also keeps users up to date on the latest trends in apple prices and trade.
For more information:
Tracy Grondine
U.S. Apple Association
Tel: +1 (703) 442-8850
tgrondine@usapple.org
www.usapple.org