Apple Markets for 2024 Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. Could it be too much of a good thing? That’s what some analysts are asking about this year’s 2023/24 apple crop.
Chris Gerlach, Director of Industry Analytics at the US
Apple Association, says it was a very good year production-wise just about everywhere you look, with back-to-back years for Michigan …
GERLACH … “I mean it’s a great year, but it’s just, everyone had a great year. Michigan was up last year, I think, 40% or something like that. So, Michigan had one of its best years ever last year and they out produced New York which, typically New York is number 2.”
And this year, Gerlach says Washington and New York got back on track …
GERLACH … “Well Michigan had another great year this year, equaling if not surpassing last year. And this is a time when Washington is having a great year. New York bounced back from a down year. And so, the three biggest producers all had decent years.”
So, Gerlach says we have a lot of product for apple lovers out there …
GERLACH … “We are moving a lot of apples. I’m seeing the movement definitely spike and exports are way up. I think exports are up, season to date, July to November, was at data point up about 40%.”
And that, Gerlach says is giving many in the industry a little optimism for the year ahead …
GERLACH … “That might be the story that is causing at least smiles on the faces of some of the growers.”
Tune in tomorrow for more on this year’s apples and some of the worries that come with this outstanding crop.
