The U.S. apple crop for 2022 is projected at 10.7 billion pounds or 255 million bushels, 2.7% higher compared with last year’s production, but 3.5% less than the five-year average.
Those are the numbers from a U.S. Apple Association analysis of USDA data, according to a news release.
U.S. Apple’s report on the apple industry outlook was authored by Chris Gerlach, U.S. Apple director of industry analytics. The group also unveiled “Newton,” an industry database and dashboard that provides a one-stop-shop for apple-related statistics.
Gerlach noted that these figures are more comprehensive than USDA data, which only look at the top seven apple-producing states. “We’ve analyzed the production from states outside of the top seven and added that back to USDA’s figure,” Gerlach said in the release.
Varieties
At the varietal level, U.S. Apple said gala is expected to retain the top spot, with almost 46 million bushels produced, accounting for around 18% of the U.S. apple market. Rounding out the top five are red delicious (34 million bushels), fuji (26 million bushels), Honeycrisp (25 million bushels) and granny smith (24 million bushels).
In general, the varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady/cripps pink and Cosmic Crisp, according to the release. Fuji, granny smith and rome varieties have remained relatively consistent compared to 2017-2018 production volumes. Varieties on the decline include golden delicious, gala and red delicious, according to the release.
“On the positive side, Honeycrisp production has increased by 48%, or 8 million bushels, in the past five years,” Gerlach said in the release. “Conversely, red delicious decreased by 41%, or 24 million bushels, during the same period.”
Trade
The U.S. still retains a healthy positive trade balance for apples, according to the release.
In the 2021-2022 July to June period, the U.S. exported more than 38.5 million bushels of fresh apples, while only importing around 6.3 million bushels.
“On a year-over-year basis, the balance of trade has declined with respect to both quantity and value,” Gerlach said in the release.
“On the quantity side, imports have increased by 20% over 2020-2021 calendar year levels, while exports have declined. On the value side, exports have increased marginally, but imports are up almost 30%. This means that, in the 2021-2022 [calendar year], the U.S. was bringing in a greater amount of more-expensive fruit and sending out a smaller amount of slightly more-expensive fresh apples.”
Newton Database
Gerlach also introduced the Newton Database & Dashboard. Several years in the making, Newton is a one-stop shop for apple-related statistics. Newton gives users the ability to view preset reports or create custom queries for download. Newton’s dashboard also keeps users up to date on the latest trends in apple prices and trade, according to the release.
“We are extremely excited to launch this unique U.S. Apple member benefit,” Gerlach said in the release. “Newton consolidates data from U.S. Apple and multiple USDA sources into one place, giving users up-to-date information on apple production, utilization, trade, prices, storages, movement, economic impacts and more.”
