Reports on US apples predict an increase in this year's crop. Neil Gordon, UK representative of the US Apple Export Council says that this year's harvest represents excellent UK export potential after a short crop in 2002.
"Michigan, New York and the New England states report average crop volumes of excellent quality," says Gordon. "NY State provides 85 per cent of apple exports from the region to the UK and anticipates a 24 million carton crop - almost 50 per cent up on last year. Michigan's crop of 23 million cartons is double. New England States are closer to the five year average of just over four million cartons."
Picking is due to begin about a week later than usual and is just getting started for early varieties like Paula Reds, with McIntosh following at the beginning of September.
The McIntosh crop is 41 percent up, and Empire has increased by 58 per cent, with virtually all areas reporting clean fruit, with sizing on average larger than 2002.
Gordon adds: “We are anticipating an exciting year with great fruit which we will be supporting with fresh PR activities and retail promotions.”
A new consumer website www.usapples.com is also due to be launched.
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