Vienna, Va. – Apple industry experts from around the country convened at the U.S. Apple Association’s (USApple) 120th annual conference and estimated the 2015 apple crop at 234.8 million bushels for the U.S. this coming season. This projection is 7.4 million bushels less than the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) August 12 forecast of 242.2 million bushels.
The most significant difference between the USApple and USDA estimates was with the Washington state crop where regional industry experts reduced the USDA estimate of 150 million bushels by 7 million bushels due to weather related causes.
“We are looking forward to an excellent apple crop in 2015 with great tasting, fresh apples being harvested steadily through November. Flavors will be exceptional and there will be a wide selection of varieties for all tastes,” noted Jim Bair, USApple’s president & CEO. “The industry’s export earnings and sales volumes reached new records last year and we look forward to another successful season.”
Details of the USDA forecast, which also includes data on trade and exports, apple juice concentrate and processing trends, and sales trends for specific apple varieties, are contained in the 2015 Apple Crop Production and Utilization Analysis, which was released last week by USApple during the 2015 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference in Chicago, Ill. More than 300 people attended the 120th anniversary conference, including 57 from 15 foreign countries. “It’s clear this conference has become the go-to source for critical apple industry information,” said Bair. “We’re thrilled with the growth."
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About USApple
The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state and regional associations representing the 7,500 apple growers throughout the country, as well as more than 400 individual firms involved in the apple business. More information on the organization is available at USApple.org.
Source: The U.S. Apple Association (USApple)
