Fishers, N.Y. – New York state apple growers are back,
and they mean business – lots more business this year, that is, thanks to a
bigger, better crop with more of the varieties consumers love.
That’s the trade
report from a conference call of leading apple growers from across the state
that was held July 25.The call was
hosted by New York Apple Association (NYAA). Growers attributed news that this
year’s crop would be 100 percent or more than their typical crop to near-perfect
growing conditions, and recent new plantings now coming into production.
This year’s
harvest is expected to begin on time and proceed on schedule, with the first
shipments of apples arriving at market mid-August. Fruit size and sugars should
be excellent as growers have enjoyed close to perfect growing conditions this
year – strong bloom, good pollination and plenty of sunlight, heat and
moisture. New York state apple shippers will have more supplies of popular
varieties including HoneyCrisp, Gala, McIntosh and Empire because of new
plantings over the past 5-6 years that are now figuratively – and literally –
bearing fruit.
“We want retailers
to know that we have more than rebounded from last year, thanks to much more
benevolent weather and smart growers who’ve been planting more of what
consumers want,” said NYAA President Jim Allen, who hosted the grower
conference call. “Call your shippers today to start planning your New York
state apple promotions.”
Allen noted that
harvest bins, packing capacity and storage space are sufficient to allow an
orderly progression to market.
NYAA’s grower
leaders forecasted the 2013 New York apple crop will easily meet the state’s
5-year average production of 29 million bushels, and recent plantings
now coming into production may push that to exceed 30 million bushels. This year’s good-news crop comes after
early-season freezes last year decimated much of the state’s crop in the bud;
the 2012 crop was estimated at 17.1 million bushels.
Growers are happy
this year, and they are certain retailer and consumers will be too.
“Our retailers saw
what was possible last year even with a small crop, prices were strong,” said
Allen. “The New York apple industry can’t wait to see what we can do together
with them this year.”
To build buyer
demand for the 2013 crop, NYAA has been advertising all year long to
retailers.Taglines have included “from
blossom to awesome” and “live from New York!”.
A nonprofit
agricultural trade association based in Fishers, N.Y., NYAA
represents the state’s commercial apple growers. The grower-funded association
supports profitable growing and marketing of New York apples through increasing
demand for apples and apple products, representing the industry at state and
federal levels, and serving as the primary information source on New York
apple-related matters. For more information, visit www.nyapplecountry.com.
