Michigan apple growers are reporting a sizeable crop this year. “This crop is almost double what we had last year. So we will be able to supply consumers with Michigan apples much longer this year compared to last,” says Julia Willer of BelleHarvest Sales in Belding, Michigan.
Last month, the Michigan Apple Committee reported that the 2022-2023 crop estimates were at 29.5 million bushels (1.239 billion lbs.) of apples. It also noted that in 2021, the USDA reported that Michigan harvested 15.6 million bushels of apples. “We have had ideal weather conditions this summer and spring that are going to yield flavorful apples for this year,” adds Willer.
BelleHarvest has Gingergolds and Paula Reds in production right now. “In the next week or so, we should start producing SweeTangos, Premier Honeycrisp, McIntosh and Golden Delicious apples. Because of our good growing season, we will have ample amounts of each variety compared to last season,” says Willer.
Full production underway
Unlike the later start Washington apples are seeing on the other side of the country, Michigan’s season started on time for harvest and production. “Things were slowly building up but after Labor Day we are in full production,” says Willer. “Our harvest season usually ends around the beginning of November when later season apples like Evercrisp are harvested. With our crop volume this year we will be able to sell Michigan apples through the spring of 2023.”
Meeting this ample crop is good demand for apples. “After our down season last year, consumers are very excited to be able to get Michigan apples once again,” says Willer. “I foresee an increase in consumption of Michigan apples. Consumers love to know where their food comes from and because our season ended so early last year, a lot of consumers have missed local, fresh apples. This combined with the continued upward trend of eating healthy will help increase consumption.”
Also helping move apples this season will be the return of BelleHarvest’s 3lb PAW Patrol Pouch program which it offers in Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp varieties. The bags feature the three main characters from the popular Nickelodeon kid’s TV show. “We also offer a sustainable 3 lb. carton for consumers who are trying to reduce their plastic consumption. This is available also for Gala, Fuji and Honeycrisp,” adds Willer.
For more information:
Julia Willer
BelleHarvest Sales
Tel: +1 (616) 208-9577
jwiller@belleharvest.com
http://www.belleharvest.com/