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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.

The Cosmic Crisp apple is a rising star for Washington apple marketers, but how high it will soar is still a question, marketers say.

With an excellent quality crop now being harvested, Yakima, Wash.-based FirstFruits Marketing is looking forward to connecting consumers with Washington apples.

Want to know what’s new in the fresh produce industry? Attendees of the SEPC’s Southern Innovations trade show and conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Tenn., are about to see firsthand.

Rising costs and tight labor are two big challenges for strawberry growers, but marketers also see reason for optimism.

After a year of strong fresh potato prices, Washington potato marketers are looking at a favorable new crop outlook and strong demand for both processing and fresh potato supplies.

Oregon potato acreage stayed in a range from 42,000 to 45,000 acres from 2019 through 2021, according to USDA estimates.

Besides maximizing domestic sales, Wisconsin potato marketers are looking to expand markets in Mexico and Canada, says Dana Rady.

Bushmans’ Inc. expects stable acreage for 2022, said Mike Carter, CEO of Rosholt, Wis.-based marketer.

The Wisconsin potato outlook is relatively strong, but industry leaders say the crop is running a bit behind schedule.