Fruit Industry Snapshot

Apples

• National fresh market apple holdings, as of June 2025 were 39.8 million bushels, down 2% y-o-y, but still above the 5-year average. Similarly, New York’s apple holdings were 4.1 million bushels, down 2%, y-o-y, but 29% above the 5-year average.¹
• 2024 was a relatively good growing season, although there were some localized issues of hail and frosts. Pricing and movement has been good, but the crop was large. NY’s apple production came in at 27.1 million bushels, a substantial increase over the prior year. Washington’s harvest came in at 156 million bushels, 12% above 2023.
• Tariffs and trade barriers could be negative for fresh market growers, positive for processing growers (the U.S. is a net exporter of fresh apples but imports a lot of apple juice concentrate). 
• Pollination season was good, so the forecast is for an average to above-average Northeast crop in 2025. Producers are hoping for improved margins this year, as pricing has been fairly weak for last year’s crop. 
• Early indications suggest a large 2025 Northwest crop, with some uncertainty due to summer weather. 

• Visitor traffic at tasting rooms continues to be down, but sales per visitor remain solid as well as online sales. Overall, sales are consistent with a downward trend from the COVID peak. A freeze event in Western NY limited yields in some areas, but the 2024 crop was quite good in terms of quality and adequate yield. Labor is a topic of constant concern, but tipping has permanently changed the tasting room staff pay scale to the positive and adequate customer-service help is generally available. With a decrease in traffic to wineries, having a thriving wine club or online sales platform is essential for top results. Profits at wineries and other craft beverage businesses generally reverted to pre-COVID levels last year.

Cranberries

• 2024 national production came to 8.2 million barrels, 2% greater than 2023, and above expectations. Wisconsin’s production increased from the prior year. The larger crop has put downward pressure on pricing, as this industry is back into an oversupply situation. Juice sales are down by about 8%. International and ingredients sales have increased but are insufficient to make up losses in other areas.  

¹ USApple