Aug 29, 2018

New York state group estimates 2018 apple crop

The New York Apple Association (NYAA) estimates 31 million 42-lb. cartons of apples will be harvested from the 2018 crop this fall which is up slightly over last year and on par with the state’s five-year average.

“New York is proud to be a leader in the apple industry,” said NYAA President Cynthia Haskins. “Our 600 apple growers throughout the state report a good range of sizes this year and beautiful apples across the board. Wholesalers and consumers alike can expect to find ample supplies of all their favorite New York state apples and cider in markets this fall.”

New York apple fans can also expect to find a new look for New York apples this fall.

In October, NYAA plans to debut Apples from New York, a new logo for the state’s apple industry and NYAA, the association that represents it. The new logo will replace the Apple Country logo which represented the New York industry for over 20 years. During the transition, 3- and 5-pound bags with the Apple Country logo will be used while the Apples from New York logo debuts on ads, billboards, TV and social media. This new brand identity carries a trademessage that focuses on 26 distinct New York varieties.

“New York offers retailers one of the most diverse arrays of apple varieties on the market,” said Haskins. “There is a New York variety for every taste and each one has New York’s distinctive flavor because they were grown in a region known to have ideal apple growing conditions.” New York varieties include iconic favorites like McIntosh; legendary “born in New York” varieties like Empire and Cortland; the popular Honeycrisp; and exciting new managed varieties like SweeTango and the two ‘exclusive to New York’ varieties, RubyFrost and SnapDragon.

NYAA’s retail team includes account managers Michele Hoard and Susan McAleavey Sarlund who began outreach to retailers earlier this season offering a new Variety Sheet and Ad Planner. This season, NYAA is launching a national retail display contest, offering a all-expense paid trip through some of New York’s picturesque apple growing regions. On the consumer side, NYAA will debut a new television commercial this season and is boosting social media activity. Special emphasis is also being put on events which include pop-up tastings and a press event in New York City in October. NYAA is sponsoring the TCS New York City Marathon as the ‘official apple’ in November.