New crop apples start with prices expected to drop

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this new crop apple report September 12, 2023:

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) predicts the 2023-2024 apple crop will be up as much as 28%, compared to the 2022-2023 season.

Washington

• The WSTFA projects approximately 134 million cases (40-pound packs) will be shipped during the 2023-2024 season, up from nearly 104 million cases in 2022-2023
• The ample supply expectation for 2023-2024 follows last year’s short season, that was hindered by cold, rainy, and snowy weather during the growing process
• Suppliers saw yearly averages of approximately 120 million cases prior to last year’s short crop
• Expect level or below-average markets depending on variety

Michigan

• Growers saw a record-setting crop in 2022-2023, at nearly 32.4 million bushels (40-pound packs) harvested; ideal weather conditions in spring and summer 2022 bolstered the crop
• Currently, Michigan apple growers aren’t expecting another record year, but are expecting close to 90% of last year’s crop total
• Average seasonal yields prior to last season’s record crop were at 24 million bushels
• Markets will ease once the new crop season is in full swing in September

Please see the grid below for a quick reference to Michigan and Washington apple transitions and current size profiles: