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August 12, 2026
Market News
Apple season is starting to take shape, and Washington will be carrying even more
weight than usual this year. Cold and wet weather disrupted parts of the
Northeast growing season, which means more program demand is expected to
lean west as schools and retail fall sets begin to build.
New crop Galas will be the first major variety to watch. Availability should begin in
early to mid-August depending on the shipper, with Honeycrisp following shortly
behind. From there, the crop will continue to build into September with Granny
Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Red Delicious, and other fall varieties coming online.
Early fruit will help bridge the gap, but overall relief will take time as each variety
starts, colors, packs, and settles into volume.
Sizing is still a mixed story. Some growers are reporting smaller sizes on early
Galas, while others are expecting a larger overall profile once the broader
Washington crop gets rolling. That makes it too early to call the season one way or
the other. The safest approach will be to stay flexible on size and variety as the
first picks come through the system.
Markets are expected to remain elevated as customers look to Washington for
coverage and the Northeast works through weather-related challenges. School
demand will add another layer, especially on smaller, pouch-friendly, and
lunchbox-style fruit. As new crop volume builds, we should get a clearer picture
on size, color, pressure, and overall pack-outs.
Galas and Honeycrisp will get the season moving, but Washington will need time
to build into full fall volume. Lead time, variety flexibility, and a willingness to
adjust sizing will be the best way to stay covered as the new crop apple season
gets underway.