USApple forecasts large 2025-26 apple crop

Following consecutive years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple).

USApple is forecasting 278.5 million 42-pound bushels or 11.7 billion pounds, up 1.3% from last year and 3.6% above the five-year production average.

For the 2024-25 crop, U.S. apple producers were forecast to harvest 260 million bushels in the August report.

Authored by Chris Gerlach, USApple’s vice president of insights and analytics, Industry Outlook 2025 provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade, according to a news release.

 

 

The USApple figures are more comprehensive than the USDA data, which only reflect the top seven apple-producing states. USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds that into USDA’s figure. It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day.

The USDA predicts 290 million bushels for the 2025-26 crop.

State production

At the state level:

• Washington remains the nation’s top producer with a forecasted record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion, up 1% from 2024/25.
• New York holds the No. 2 spot at 30.5 million bushels, a 0.7% decrease from last season.
• Michigan is up 10% to about 30 million bushels.
• Pennsylvania is up 2% at 10.5 million bushels.
• Virginia is down 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
• Oregon is up 40% to 3.9 million bushels.

“The U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” Gerlach said in the release. “That said, growers carefully select what comes off the tree to ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the store. And with skyrocketing labor costs, growers are having to be even more disciplined in their harvest decisions.”

Varietal mix

At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot. The top five:

Gala: 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)

• Gala: 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)
• Red Delicious – 39 million bushels (13%)
• Honeycrisp – 34 million bushels (12%)
• Granny Smith – 32 million bushels (11%)
• Fuji – 25 million bushels (9%)

Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp® and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink. Gala, Fuji and Rome are trending down.

Typically, U.S. organic apple production ranges from 11% to 16%, with Washington constituting 90% of organic apple production.

USApple released its estimate for the 2025-26 season on Aug. 15 as part of the organization’s 130th annual USApple Outlook conference in Chicago