Latest News From Apples

How the apple industry is navigating the rising cost of business
How the apple industry is navigating the rising cost of business

In this "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast, Jim Bair, president and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association, talks rising food prices, slowing grower returns and the current challenges to maintaining a profitable apple business.

Apple holdings in March up 35% over same time last year
Apple holdings in March up 35% over same time last year

A U.S. Apple Association report shows apple holdings for March are also 25% higher than the five-year average for the month.

New Zealand Jazz apple season begins
New Zealand Jazz apple season begins

T&G Global says the company and its independent growers will collectively pick over 4 million tray carton equivalents of apples this year, including its premium Jazz and Envy apple brands.

USDA seeks to purchase apples
USDA seeks to purchase apples

The USDA is seeking offers to sell fresh fuji apples to the agency.

New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing
New York Apple Association recognized for communications, marketing

Greater Rochester American Advertising Federation recognized NYAA's "The Big Flavor" campaign, and the New York Agricultural Society honored the association's communication efforts.

Stemilt Growers shares organic promotion ideas for spring
Stemilt Growers shares organic promotion ideas for spring

With ample supply and Earth Day nearing, the Wenatchee, Wash.-based packer, grower and distributor is offering tips on how retailers can capitalize on the growing interest in the organic category.

Honeybear Brands shares details on Chilean apple, pear imports
Honeybear Brands shares details on Chilean apple, pear imports

Honeybear Brands says it is gearing up to deliver a bounty of fresh Chilean apples and pears to retailers nationwide.

Stemilt president and CEO named Apple Citizen of the Year
Stemilt president and CEO named Apple Citizen of the Year

Washington State Apple Blossom Festival recognized the Stemilt executive for the company’s support of the state’s tree fruit industry.

Superfresh Growers update discusses water reservoirs and Cascadian snowpack
Superfresh Growers update discusses water reservoirs and Cascadian snowpack

A video update from Yakima, Wash.-based Superfresh Growers also highlights the company’s transition to high-density apple orchard systems for efficiency and safety.

U.S. apple exports increase in 2023
U.S. apple exports increase in 2023

U.S. apple exports climbed 6% in value in 2023 over 2022 but still are well below pre-pandemic levels, USDA data show.

USApple's latest report shows apple holdings still up 33%
USApple's latest report shows apple holdings still up 33%

The latest monthly report from the U.S. Apple Association shows crop in holding still up year over year and above five-year average figures.

FirstFruits Farms expands sales team 
FirstFruits Farms expands sales team 

The company says new additions to the sales team will help it add territories and grow in market space in the Midwest.

How to build impactful apple displays that help sales
How to build impactful apple displays that help sales

It’s in every produce department, but the popular fruit’s many varieties and visual versatility make it ripe for dynamic displays.

Nielsen Data shows gap between apple volumes and sales
Nielsen Data shows gap between apple volumes and sales

In its latest bulletin, Stemilt said data shows sales only slightly increased in the last month of 2023.

USApple unveils 2024 NextGen Apple Fellowship class
USApple unveils 2024 NextGen Apple Fellowship class

Young professionals will participate in the association’s advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and will get firsthand experience with legislative and regulatory issues important to the apple industry.

USDA purchases $18M in fresh apples
USDA purchases $18M in fresh apples

The fresh apples are to be distributed to child nutrition and other related domestic food assistance programs for fiscal year 2024.

CMI Orchards reports Juici selling season off to a strong start
CMI Orchards reports Juici selling season off to a strong start

The Wenatchee, Wash.-based company says retailers will benefit from another four months of the variety’s availability, with Juici deliveries expected through May.

Rice Fruit begins packing of Lemonade variety apples
Rice Fruit begins packing of Lemonade variety apples

Lemonade is a cross between a gala and braeburn, giving the apple its crunchy effervescence paired with a blushing cheek.

CMI Orchards’ Sunrise Magic apples now available
CMI Orchards’ Sunrise Magic apples now available

Shipments of the premium branded apple variety are expected to continue only through April, according to CMI Orchards.

Honeybear Brands unveils organic Pazazz apples
Honeybear Brands unveils organic Pazazz apples

Pazazz apples are now available to retailers and shoppers as an organic option exclusively from Elgin, Minn.-based Honeybear Brands.

Association brings the flavor of New York apples to Super Bowl celebrations
Association brings the flavor of New York apples to Super Bowl celebrations

The organization plans to put New York-grown apples on center stage for the Big Game with a marketing blitz, giveaway and more.

Pazazz Apple and 'America’s Test Kitchen' chef partner for cancer prevention month
Pazazz Apple and 'America’s Test Kitchen' chef partner for cancer prevention month

Honeybear Brands' Pazazz Apple and chef Elle Simone Scott of "America’s Test Kitchen" are encouraging shoppers to check out the American Institute for Cancer Research's online tool.

Sage Fruit Co. names new CEO
Sage Fruit Co. names new CEO

The company has promoted Nicole Gordy, who had served as director of business analytics. Gordy succeeds Steve Clement, who becomes CEO of PNW Tree Fruit, which owns Sage Fruit packers and 6,000 acres of orchards.

FirstFruits Farms celebrates National Opal Apple Day
FirstFruits Farms celebrates National Opal Apple Day

The event hosted by Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms aims to raise the apple's profile through retailer promotions and social media posts.

Marketing opportunities abound with large apple crop this season
Marketing opportunities abound with large apple crop this season

Marketers recently shared the unique prospects that ample supply provides for retailers and consumers.

Bountiful apple crop brings opportunities — and a challenge to grow consumption
Bountiful apple crop brings opportunities — and a challenge to grow consumption

With a large crop in apple-producing states, like Pennsylvania, marketers say there is a need to boost consumption. "That will take some time and some effort," said Chris Sandwick of Hess Bros. Fruit., Lancaster, Pa.

Apple holdings remain high
Apple holdings remain high

While the U.S. Apple Association reports some movement of fresh and processing apples, the overall number of apples in holding still remains high.

Focus on flavor profiles, health benefits key for New York apple marketing efforts
Focus on flavor profiles, health benefits key for New York apple marketing efforts

Despite weather challenges this season, growers “look hopeful for '24,” said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of New York Apples. “We have a good mix of different apple varieties that are out there ...”

Cornell University releases three new apple rootstocks
Cornell University releases three new apple rootstocks

Additions to the Geneva rootstock line are semi-dwarfing, productive and even fire blight resistant.

Following another large crop, Michigan apple experts offer insight for retailers
Following another large crop, Michigan apple experts offer insight for retailers

Michigan apple growers experienced some localized frost damage in the spring but still had a great growing year.

Honeybear Brands is touting EverCrisp as a late-season star for retailers
Honeybear Brands is touting EverCrisp as a late-season star for retailers

Honeybear Brands says it is delighting retailers and shoppers with its growing supply of the late-season EverCrisp variety. 

Washington's apple crop rebounds, giving retailers promotion opportunities aplenty
Washington's apple crop rebounds, giving retailers promotion opportunities aplenty

After growers faced a year of weather extremes in 2022, Washington state rebounded in 2023, increasing production by about 38% year over year, according to the U.S. Apple Association.

CMI notes strong growth in branded organic apple sales
CMI notes strong growth in branded organic apple sales

The Wenatchee, Wash.-based company is reporting major growth in branded organic apple sales dollars and more promotion opportunities ahead.

Stemilt Growers reflects on successes of 2023, looks ahead to 2024
Stemilt Growers reflects on successes of 2023, looks ahead to 2024

The packer, grower and distributor of pears, apples and stone fruit says new variety development and organic offerings is a key part of 2024 plans.

Stemilt helps local children in foster care at holidays
Stemilt helps local children in foster care at holidays

This is the 11th year employees of the grower, packer and shipper of tree fruit shopped, wrapped and donated gifts to children in the care of the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Family Services.

Year in Produce 2023: Big crops of apples and potatoes bring promotion opportunities
Year in Produce 2023: Big crops of apples and potatoes bring promotion opportunities

After tight supplies of elevated pricing for 2022 apple and potato crops, the 2023 season is bringing price relief and promotion opportunities to consumers.

Washington State University announces new apple
Washington State University announces new apple

The university said the new cultivar — a cross of Honeycrisp with cripps pink — does not bruise and keeps its texture and flavor following months of cold storage.

Kanzi apples show explosive growth
Kanzi apples show explosive growth

CMI Orchards said this managed variety shows a 613% growth in volume for the 13 weeks ending Dec. 2, according to Nielsen scan data.

Latest report shows mammoth-sized U.S. apple crop
Latest report shows mammoth-sized U.S. apple crop

Chris Gerlach, USApple’s director of industry analytics, shared how this season draws parallels from a large crop in 2014-15.

FirstFruits Farms acquires Applewood Orchards
FirstFruits Farms acquires Applewood Orchards

The merger expands the opportunity and scope of both companies to serve their unique customer base, while also working together with the customers the two companies share coast to coast.

CMI Orchards updates its leadership team
CMI Orchards updates its leadership team

The company has promoted eight employees to key roles as it plans for growth.

Domex Superfresh Growers latest orchard update talks dormant pruning
Domex Superfresh Growers latest orchard update talks dormant pruning

The company’s video series returns as horticulturalist Dave Gleason shares the relationship between dormant pruning and crop load.

Envy apples teams up with Hallmark actor to highlight holiday magic, entertaining
Envy apples teams up with Hallmark actor to highlight holiday magic, entertaining

The apple variety makes a cameo in a Hallmark film while the actor highlights recipes that incorporate Envy apples into holiday dishes.

Apples account for nearly 9% of organic produce sales
Apples account for nearly 9% of organic produce sales

Apples are an organic powerhouse in the fresh produce department. Learn why in this story from The Packer's Organic Fresh Trends 2024.

New York Apple Association kicks off holiday campaign, sweepstakes
New York Apple Association kicks off holiday campaign, sweepstakes

This year, NYAA is sponsoring an Apple Pie Baking Kit consumer sweepstakes on social media and launching holiday videos featuring "Bob for Apples from New York," in addition to reminding retailers to cross-merchandise.

CMI Orchards touts premium Ambrosia Gold apples
CMI Orchards touts premium Ambrosia Gold apples

New crop Ambrosia Gold apples from CMI Orchards are marked by high flavor, vibrant color and a superb eating experience, the company reports.

Washington State Tree Fruit Association annual meeting set for Dec. 4
Washington State Tree Fruit Association annual meeting set for Dec. 4

The Washington State Tree Fruit Association will host its 119th Annual Meeting and NW Hort Expo at the Three Rivers Convention Center and Toyota Center in Kennewick on Dec. 4-6.

Big apple volumes and lower prices open the door for retail promotions
Big apple volumes and lower prices open the door for retail promotions

Apple volume is up, and prices are down. That equation adds up to more apple promotion opportunities, says Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.

U.S. fresh apple holdings up on Nov. 1
U.S. fresh apple holdings up on Nov. 1

U.S. fresh apple holdings on Nov. 1 were 36% more than reported last November and 21% more than the November five-year average.

New Zealand apple output to rise slightly, but acreage drops
New Zealand apple output to rise slightly, but acreage drops

New Zealand apple planted area will drop substantially because of damage from cyclone Gabrielle in February, according to a news USDA report.