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While the state’s 2022 fresh apple crop may be shorter than some years, the Wenatchee, Wash.-based Washington Apple Commission is gearing up for another big year of promoting fresh apple exports.

Finding varieties that appeal to consumers is one way the leading state for U.S. apple production continues to innovate and evolve.

Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Farms has started its 10th year of growing and selling the Sweetie branded apple.

Oppy expects a good quality season for its proprietary apples, says Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears for the Oppenheimer Group (Oppy).

With orchards spanning Washington state from the Columbia River to the Canadian border, Domex Superfresh Growers offers a full range of apple varieties.

Smaller gala sizes in Washington state will open the door to increased retail promotions of bagged apples, according to Brianna Shales, director of marketing for Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash.

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is expanding sales and distribution of the proprietary Juici apple variety, said Dan Davis, director of business development for Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers.

The fruit sales and marketing firm Sage Fruit Co. is growing this season with the addition of grower/shipper Chelan Fruit, says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.

More erratic growing conditions in the last few years have captured the attention of Washington apple industry observers.

Giving apple consumers great quality fruit goes a long way to ensuring repeat retail purchases, despite the friction of inflation in the produce department, Washington apple marketers say.