Last year at this time, we were crying the blues about the apple crop that was 50% below normal, with some farms completely wiped out by a warm March tricking the trees into an early bud, to be frost bitten in April. Fast forward a year and it’s ever so much better. To quote our apple merchant, Art Dicesare, “this year is a return to normal…even better than normal for some varieties.” And prices are sharply lower, reflecting that abundant harvest.
Here are some examples: Best value is the Club Pack (now to be called Family Pack.) An 8-lb. bag (in store soon!)—is $2 less than last year, $5.99 total, vs $7.99 in 2012. After that in price are the tote bags with a little handle, for 99 cents lb. vs $1.29 cents lb. last year. Those are the same prices as two years ago! Next come the 3-lb. bags, $3.29 vs prices as high as $4.99 in 2012.
Still, I was surprised to learn that many customers prefer to buy apples individually, picking and choosing the varieties and sizes they find convenient. Those are $1.79 lb. vs $1.99 lb. last year. In the stores right now are three varieties: Ginger Gold, Zestar introduced just five to six years ago, and Paula Red. Still on the trees but being picked in two-three more weeks are the old standbys, MacIntosh, Gala and Empire. And that premium favorite, Honeycrisp, will follow in three weeks. Interestingly, our Group Merchant just returned from Washington State where he saw whole orchards of other varieties being pulled out to plant Honeycrisps. When those start producing, prices will really drop on that sweet specialty favorite.
Also good news: The flavor is really, really good…with the caveat that much of the harvest is still on the trees, and depends on continued warm days and cool nights to bring out the sugar and color—and counting on no hail! Bumper apple crop means much more of the harvest can be carried over into 2014 for putting “to sleep” in cold storage. Last year, there was precious little left to put away so the supply ended very early in the new year.
Also good news: Cider is plentiful, $2 less per gallon, $3.99 vs $5.99. So, fist bump for the bumper crop or high five or however you choose to celebrate. Enjoy.
Senior Vice President, Consumer Affairs Incredible Service since 1971
