Apple Delight

“We’ve experienced some growth from retail-led programs pushing more fresh produce,” he confirms, adding, “but most notably, we’ve seen much more interest from consumers in the ‘Borton Fruit Story’ (on the company website).”

California
California, known worldwide for its lettuce and grape production, also grows its fair share of apples. Annual production for 2013 came in at 270 million pounds, bringing over $105 million to the state’s coffers.

The Golden State’s season lasts from July to October, with Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Cripps Pink among the top varieties. The top apple producing counties are San Joaquin, Kern, Santa Cruz, Fresno, and Stanislaus.

Despite being the nation’s fifth largest apple producer, California is the second largest exporter, shipping to 27 countries worldwide including Canada, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and Panama.

Other Western States
Aside from the above heavy hitters, other U.S. western states contribute to the global apple supply. Oregon produced 140 million pounds in 2013, predominantly from the Willamette and Columbia valleys and Milton-Freewater area, with Fuji and Gala as the top varieties.

To its east, Idaho brought in 72 million pounds in 2013, mainly from the southwest counties of Canyon, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, and Washington and south-central counties Jerome and Twin Falls.

Utah and Arizona also grow apples commercially, though in far lesser quantities. Production for each came in at 16.5 million pounds in 2013, followed by Colorado’s 5.6 million pounds. Arizona apple production occurs mainly in the southeast portion of the state near Wilcox.

Hearty Midwest
The Midwest is home to one of the country’s top tier producers, Michigan, which has bounced back after the terrible losses of the 2012 season.

Michigan
Ranked second in the nation, Michigan growers contributed 1.26 billion pounds to U.S. production in 2013. Supply is divided nearly equally for fresh consumption and processing, with the latter used for a wide range of products including applesauce, juice, cider, and pie filling. Though the 2014 season started about a week to ten days later than usual, growers were happy for the delay which often benefits certain varieties with cooler temperatures at harvest. Late season estimates believed this year’s crop would be excellent, close to last year’s stellar numbers.