FFC News

Issue 2: September 29, 2008

REPORT ON USA APPLES 2008

FROM OUR INSPECTORS IN USA

Areas: South (Yakima) to North (Chelan/Wenatchee)

We hope you are keeping well.

The USA Apple season has started and we are pleased to supply you with the following information for your reference.

GENERAL COMMENTS:

We expect overall volume of crop in packed cartons to be similar to last year…range could be -1% to +4%.Most of the apples are still on the trees.

The mix of varieties will be different with regards to volume.

Sizes generally smaller….many more #100 and smaller. Much less #88 and larger.As the size gets larger, the volume is significantly reduced.

Harvest 7-14 days late, depending on location.

Fruit being picked earlier than normal has been treated with etherol, a ripening agent, to catch the early market for high priced fruit to supply the domestic supermarkets.

SPECIFIC VARIETIES

RED DELICIOUS

  1. Volume probably same or little lower than last year.
  2. Generally sizes are 1-2 sizes smaller than average year.
  3. Color should be excellent.
  4. Condition should be very good if they get everything picked in time.
  5. We expect to see a lot of 100 size to 163 size apples.
  6. SHAPE! SHAPE! SHAPE! This will be HUGE issue. SHAPE IS NOT GOOD!   On average, this is the worst shape year I have ever seen for Washington Apples. This is mainly due to adverse weather conditions during the Spring  Bloom. 95% of the Red Delicious are still on the trees and we need to see finished product, however, based on what I saw on the trees, it is not looking good. It is not the shape you are used to seeing from Washington State. Everyone has this problem….. NO EXCEPTIONS. Shape is a little better in the Northern Districts and we may see a split pricing structure depending on shape. You will see occasional shipment with all good shape in the box, however, it is my opinion this will be very rare exception, not the rule. I will put together a grouping of pictures just to illustrate the shape and will email you later when it is ready.

GALA

  1. Volume up 2% - 5%.
  2. Should be good color depending on the strain or variety of gala.
  3. Shape not an issue.
  4. Condition should be good.
  5. Sizes smaller than usual….good supplies of 100 to 175.

GOLDEN DELICIOUS

  1. Volume up approximately 5%.
  2. Sizes smaller…good supplies of 100/113/125
  3. Looks like very clean crop.Skin looks very smooth.

GRANNY SMITH

  1. Volume up approximately 5%.
  2. Sizes generally smaller…good supplies of 100/113/125 tray packs and 138/150/163/175 heavy-packs.
  3. A little more blush on granny smith than usual. This is mostly due to recent weather of sunny and warm days, with cool nights. This is great for red delicious, however, not for granny smith. (you can’t have everything!)

FUJI

  1. Volume should be down a little this year…maybe -3% to -8% as it looks now. Mainly due to smaller sizes than normal year.
  2. Color appears to be wide range, there will be good , average, and bad.
  3. Fuji were affected by adverse weather conditions during Spring Bloom and this may show up in finished product with surface blemishes or discoloration…..we have to wait and see……99% of the fruit is still on the trees.

PINK LADY / CRIPPS PINK

  1. Last variety to be harvested and very susceptible to the first freeze.
  2. With late harvest, many growers concerned about losing their Pink Lady crop. Let us all hope for mild weather and very late first freeze.

Since the crop in total is running so late, there will be a compressed period of time in which the growers will have to harvest the entire crop of all varieties. After talking with many of the growers, they seem to be confident they will have enough labor and will get the job done.

Remember, 95% of all this fruit is still on the trees and we still have 6 weeks to go before full crop is harvested, in the bins, and in the cold storages. Then we will have accurate picture of what to expect for the new season.

Prices are starting off very strong, however, I would expect them to come down after we get well into harvest. I think for those customers that do not require the very good shape, there will be better opportunities with regards to lower pricing

I hope this helps with your planning and I will talk to you soon. Your feedback will be greatly appreciated.

Also…….I hope this report is not too long!

Thanks and best regards……………

T V Bala


Disclaimer:

Information has come from a variety of sources and is largely summary articles. References are indicated. Where opinions are expressed they are of the writer, and do not necessarily represent the New Zealand Apple Industry. Fresh Fruits Company Ltd cannot be held responsible for damages which may be incurred as a result of any person acting upon information in this publication.

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