US apple growers positive about opportunities for the 2017-2018 season

Last week, the 2017 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference was held in Chicago. The forecast for the US 2017-2018 apple crop is upwards of 248.2 million bushels with Washington expected to come in at 159.5 million. 

“I am not really surprised about the numbers,” says Scott Marboe with Washington-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers. “We are seeing better sizing than anticipated, so Washington’s numbers may even be a tad higher. However, it’s still a long way to go until the end of the harvest. All in all, I feel the forecast is a good workable number. New, popular varieties are still growing and we are looking forward to a good apple year,” shared Marboe.

Mac Riggan with Chelan Fresh out of Washington attended the Outlook & Marketing conference. “I’ve gone for the past three years and it has been very beneficial to be there in person,” he said. “Some attendees thought the Washington forecast was a bit low, but let’s not forget that harvest started two to three weeks later than last year. We are also seeing smaller sizing on some varieties. On the positive side, we had a very mild frost season, which will result in more premium apples and that could potentially offset the smaller sizing. It’s still a bit early to tell. I will be a lot smarter in 21 days,” said Riggan. “For Washington, it may be one of the best apples crops in the past three years. The apples are super crispy, contain good sugar levels and have very good storability.” 

Growers on the East Coast are positive about this year’s crop forecast as well. “The production increase in the East is really a recovery from an off-crop last year,” says Brenda Briggs with Rice Fruit Company. Adverse weather conditions last year impacted the Pennsylvania crop, but it is shaping up to be a normal crop this year. “It’s really good for our growers and consumers to have a normal year; the apples have a beautiful color and are of good eating quality,” mentioned Briggs. “The market is quite strong and getting off to a good start.”

Alisha Albinder with NY-based Hudson River Fruit is also excited about the upcoming season. “The forecast of lower production in Michigan balances out,” she mentioned. “Last year, Michigan had a larger crop than New York and this year, we will have a larger crop. We all work together to make sure we can supply the country with as much fruit as we can.” Midwest production is forecast to be down 23 percent compared to last year due to a late freeze that hit growers in Michigan.

Rena Montedoro with Crunch Time Apple Growers is looking forward to a very good year, in particular for the SnapDragon variety. We have more apples this year and with some other states’ lack of production, we should see more sales.” 

“I hear that Europe is going to be down and China is flat this year,” shared Riggan. Mexico is also down a bit from last year. “Given that production of some of our main competitors will be down, that bodes well for us.” It offers opportunities to export more to Dubai and the Middle East if Europe doesn’t have the volume. “This should set us up for a strong market. “We hit the deal with the pipeline open and have good momentum at the start of the season,” concluded Riggan.

For more information:

Scott Marboe

Tel: 509-888-5120

Mac Riggan

Tel: 509 682 4252

Brenda Briggs 

Tel: 800-627-3359

Alisha Albinder

Tel: 845 795 2121

Rena Montedoro

Tel: 716-300-8072

[email protected]