Written and Published by BMT Foods, August 29, 2022
Apples are America’s favorite fruit – a household staple during the fall and winter months. One of the most popular fruits in the world, apples are known for their sweetness and nutritional value. There are more than 7,500 types of apples grown around the world, and each variety has its own unique flavor. While some are tart and acidic, others are sweet and rich. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They also contain antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. Studies have linked eating apples to a reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
The growing and harvesting of apples is critical to America’s economy.
The U.S. apple industry is responsible for billions of dollars in spending and investment into the American economy. There are, after all, thousands of jobs in the apple growing industry and there is strong consumer demand through the peak season and year-round. Fun fact: Apples are the number-one consumed fruit in the U.S. There are more than 26,000 apple producers in the U.S. who are responsible for growing over 11 billion pounds of apples each year. It’s no wonder the apple is synonymous with America.
What is the state of the 2022 apple growing season?
Over the past five years, U.S. apple growers have averaged over 264.1 million 42-pound apple bushels each fiscal year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But, for various reasons, the 2021-2022 apple season saw crop output drop to about 248.3 million 42-pound bushels. With the 2022-2023 apple season well underway and fall fast-approaching, what should we expect for this year’s crop? The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that for the 2022-2023 apple season, total crop output is projected to rise by 2.7% to nearly 255 million 42-pound bushels.
What do we expect for apple juice concentrate and apple juice NFC production?
Another major apple-related market is apple juice concentrate and apple juice NFC production. Although the U.S. is a leading apple grower, most apple juice is imported from overseas. Over the past few years, a few major changes have happened. First, Covid severely reduced exports of apple juice concentrate from China and other growers. Next, due to this decrease from China, Turkey stepped in and has become a key export partner for apple juice concentrate for the U.S. And, finally, a post-Covid recovery has started, helping to lead to new growth in apple juice production.
Compared to 2021, apple juice concentrate imports have increased by over 6.5%, according to the U.S. Apple Association. Although many factors, including overseas weather conditions, climate change, and other natural disasters remain a wildcard, the prediction for 2022-2023 apple juice imports is clear: more strong growth. Statista, which compiles data on the growth of different juice types, expects revenue from the apple juice market to grow by as much as over $23 million over the next year, as demand recovers from a Covid-related slump.
The BMT Foods team will inform you of further apple crop updates as fall begins in just under a month and apple season kicks into full swing. BMT Foods offers Apple Juice Concentrate and Apple Juice NFC, in both Conventional and Organic. Reach out to us today to learn more.
