“We’re starting about on time and as far as Pennsylvania is concerned, we’ve got most of the Honey Crisp and Galas off and they’ve started a few Red Delicious and Golden Delicious,” says Sandy Cohen of Cohen Produce Marketing in Camp Hill, Pa. “But now there’s also Empire, Fuji, Pink Ladies—all the fall varieties are really coming on now so it’s a matter of getting them off trees and into boxes.”
While supplies look steady and increasing, the weather is something Pennsylvania growers are keeping an eye on. “We’ve just had a lot of rain and it’s still raining and we haven’t had a lot of sunny weather so color is a challenge right now. Right now that’s what we’re watching,” says Cohen. “But the product that goes to the customer will be seamless and meet the requirements.”
More Honeycrisp
Right now, overall volume looks similar to last year though final numbers are still to be determined. “There’s going to be increased numbers of Honeycrisp and Galas only because of new plantings,” says Cohen.
Meanwhile demand is also strong with retailers on the East looking to feature local produce. “They want to support local industry and growers,” says Cohen. “There are a lot of retailers who have apples on ad and pushing it and sales are really good right now.”
While pricing is similar to last year overall, Cohen notes that Honeycrisp prices did start out higher this year. “But that’s starting to come down to a range comparable to last year,” says Cohen. “There is a lot more Honeycrisp in the ground both here and in Washington, Michigan and New York. And with the West trying to make inroads into the East Coast, pricing is looking more aggressive.”
