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A shorter apple crop and inflationary supply chain pressures have changed the feel of the 2021-22 apple compared with a year ago.

Bagged apple sales haven’t disappeared nearly two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but the trend toward packaged fruit is moderating some, industry leaders report.

Blended products have been the top driver behind product innovation and increasing the consumer-facing portfolio for Rochester, N.Y.-based Leep Foods.

Organic apple supplies are tight and getting tighter in the 2021-22 marketing season.

U.S. organic fresh produce imports are surging, according to USDA import statistics.

Los Angeles-based 4Earth Farms has launched several new organic items in the past few months, including broccoli and cauliflower florets, halved and shaved Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower rice.

A comparison of central California truck shipments of organic fresh produce in 2021 compared with 2020 showed a big gain in oranges and romaine lettuce, but lower shipments for multiple vegetables.

Select organic apple varieties are in outstanding position for retail promotions in the next few months, said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers.

Chelan Fresh will be heavily focused on its organic SugarBee and Rockit apple programs in the months ahead, said Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for the Chelan Wash.-based company.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is focused on year-round supply for its partners, said Dan Davis, director of business development for the Wenatchee, Wash.-based marketer.