US Washington state has revised its 2012/13 apple crop downwards to just under 109m cartons following a series of mid-summer hailstorms.
Although well below the initial 130m cartons initially predicted, this volume is still close to the industry record set two seasons ago.
With national, and indeed, global apple supply likely to be short for the next six months or more, the Washington industry is quite optimistic about the coming season.
“With all the damage to the US Eastern and Midwest apple crops, we’re anticipating very strong Fob prices from the outset of the new season,” said Rebecca Baerveldt of the Washington Apple Commission.
The prospect of significantly elevated prices this season may negatively impact demand in Asia, however, and even do long-term damage to markets that the Washington industry has taken years to cultivate.
But the fact that a higher-than-normal percentage of the new apple crop has been affected by hail could allow Washington exporters to offer Asian markets more palatable price levels.
“Strong prices are all but guaranteed this season. However, the industry does have a significant crop on its hands, characterised by large sizes and excellent shape,” said Dave Martin of Stemilt Growers. “Because of the hail, there will also be a higher percentage of second and third grade fruit than normal this year. Markets are going to have to accept apples with some blemishes, therefore. But that fruit is more than able to make the several-week trip to Asia.”
Red Delicious is once again expected to lead all other varieties for packed volume for the new season at 31.4m cartons, a 5.4 per cent drop from the previous season of 33.2m cartons. Gala is forecast to be second-highest in shipments at 22.3m cartons, with Fujis up significantly to 15.6m cartons.
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