Volume lower for 2015 Washington Apple crop

The 2015 Washington apple harvest is almost complete and estimates continue to be lower than originally expected.

In August, the estimate was 125 million cartons, but that was adjusted less than a month later to 120-121 million cartons. On Oct.7, the latest estimate was set at 118.3 million cartons, with industry insiders estimating the crop at an even lower total of 110-115 million.

The overall crop is down 16 percent from last year, however Honeycrisp, Cripps Pink and Granny Smith varieties of apples did show an increase from 2014’s harvest. Warmer weather is thought to be the major cause for the decrease in Red Delicious and Gala varieties which also have a greater number of WXF No. 1 and WXF No. 2.

The harvest for Golden Delicious is estimated to be at its lowest, 8.7 million cartons, since 1973. It is a variety that has limited exports and significant decline in volume in recent years. Fuji apples are also estimated to be harder to come by this year, with only 15.5 million cartons, 3 million cartons less than last year’s harvest.

Because the apple harvest has seen an overall decline this year, premium apples will be harder to find and will come at a higher price to consumers this fall.