An Apple A Day

A small but significant amount of Pennsylvania’s crop is exported to Central America, India, Israel, and elsewhere.

California – Early Fresh Crop
The fifth largest apple grower in the United States, California is the second largest exporter behind Washington. Its production of 3 million boxes from July through January makes it the earliest apple crop in the nation and the Northern hemisphere each year.

Three-quarters of the Golden State’s apples are shipped domestically, mostly to neighboring Western states while 25 percent is exported to over two dozen countries including Taiwan, Mexico, Canada and Southeast Asia. California specializes in four varieties—Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Cripps Pink. California doesn’t store its crop, but picks, packs and ships it, providing buyers with fresh product all season.

A  Look Ahead
A stronger economy, emerging markets such as India and China, and exciting new cultivars give the apple industry reason to be optimistic.

Byron Borton, ‘chief visionary officer’ of Borton & Sons is a firm believer in new varieties such as KORU and Rockit, which he says “provide better overall flavor along with longer shelf life, stable high pressure, and more consistent taste profiles compared to older varieties.”

Pepperl also sees the future impact of new, better tasting apples. “In the next two decades, we expect the varietal mix at the supermarket to change completely. Consumers will have more choice of flavorful, unique apple varieties. Organics will also continue to increase and play a bigger role in the apple category, especially among traditional retailers.”

Steensma adds, “New varieties mean growth, but limited shelf space means we have to create consumer demand and increase consumption. Exports are huge—nearly 40 percent of our crop is going overseas. China, India, and Indonesia have traditionally imported Red Delicious, but they’re falling in love with Galas as are Thailand and Vietnam. Now that China has opened up to apple imports, there is great potential.”

This is all good news, but Stewart cautions, “Depending on how one looks at the U.S. apple crop, we are facing either an oversupply or an under-demand situation. The discussion needs to move beyond cutting costs and more efficient production to influencing consumer trends and growing markets around the world.”

For the California Apple Commission’s Ott, it’s a whole-picture scenario. “Issues with labor, preventing the introduction of foreign pests, new regulations, food safety, and foreign trade impact California agriculture, not just apples. The number-one issue is water—California is in its fourth year of a drought with no relief in sight. Agriculture is going to have to make some tough decisions, but with new technologies on the horizon, California will continue to meet these obstacles head on.” In the end, though, he notes, “The industry is always optimistic about the future.”

Image: ©iStock.com/switas