May, 1999

March apple movement 6% higher than prior year

by Lee Dean

Total movement of U.S. apples out of storage in March 1999 was 19.6 million bushels, 6% greater than March 1998, and 9% greater than March 1997 movement, according to a nationwide survey of U.S. apple storage facilities released recently by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple).

"Excellent movement in March, coupled with a well-balanced varietal mix still in storage, bodes well for our industry's marketing efforts this spring and summer," said USApple's vice president of industry services Jim Cranney, Jr.

Total U.S. fresh-apple movement of 13.5 million bushels during the month of March was 17% greater than during March 1998. On a regional basis, March fresh market apple movement in the Northeast was down 15% from March 1998 levels and remained unchanged from March 1997. In the Southeast, fresh apple movement was down 31% from March 1998, but up 65%over March 1997.

Fresh apple movement in the Midwest during March decreased 1% compared to March 1998, but increased 65% compared to March 1997. In the Southwest, fresh apple movement decreased 8% compared to March 1998, and decreased 7% from March 1997. Fresh apple movement in the Northwest increased 29% compared to March 1998, and increased 3% from March 1997.

Total U.S. fresh- and processing-apple holdings on April 1, 1999, were 62.5 million bushels, a 15% increase from April 1, 1998, and a 7% increase from April 1, 1997.

On a varietal basis, fresh Red Delicious holdings of 25 million bushels on April 1, 1999, were 19% greater than on that date in 1998, but 11% less than on April 1, 1997. Fresh Golden Delicious holdings of 7.7 million bushels were 32% greater than in 1998, and 4% less than April 1, 1997. Fresh Granny Smith holdings on April 1, 1999, were 4.1 million bushels, a 29% increase over last year and 48% greater than on April 1, 1997.

Fresh McIntosh holdings totaled 457,517 bushels, down 63% from April 1, 1998, and down 49% from April 1, 1997. Fresh Fuji holdings totaled 3.4 million bushels on April 1, 1999, 73% greater than on April 1, 1998, and 55% greater than on April 1, 1997. Fresh Gala holdings as of April 1, 1999, were 273,636 bushels, up 32% from last year's level, but down 1% from April 1, 1997.

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