New York apples bounce back from spring frost with larger fruit and strong retail outlook

Spring frost may have taken a bite out of the 2026 New York apple crop, but it did not derail the state's marketing outlook. Growers expect an overall smaller harvest than last year, yet larger fruit and strong quality.

Weather impact was not uniform, however. While Hudson Valley yields took a hit, western orchards are carrying a slightly above-average-size crop, according to the New York Apple Association (NYAA). The industry body stressed that the state is in a “strong position” to deliver supplies this season.

Photo from NYAA Facebook page. Used with permission.

“The story is really regional within the state. Western New York apple growers came through the spring in good shape, and we're optimistic heading into harvest,” said Carrie Wafler of Wafler Farms. She also serves on the NYAA Board of Directors.

Regarding the varying geographic conditions, she stressed that while some areas encountered weather challenges, the board is looking at the whole apple.

“It's a real impact, and we don't want to minimize that for those growers. But it's important to understand that the Hudson Valley represents one part of New York's overall apple production picture,” she said.

Photo from NYAA Facebook page. Used with permission.

For the processing market, Wayne County is running slightly below average, Wafler noted. While it's too early to determine an overall outcome, the executive emphasized that the season is on track to start Mid-August in the Hudson Valley. The campaign is set to end with growers picking later varieties in early November.

Mark Russell, a grower in New York's Lake Ontario region, estimates the fresh crop could finish about 15 percent smaller than last year on frost-induced damage. However, he said favorable moisture has produced larger fruit that will help offset lower yields.

Russell, who co-owns Two of Clubs Orchards, said farm operations in the area have experienced a relatively normal season despite above-average rainfall, which luckily did not prompt much disease pressure.

"We get a lot of fire blight up here, and it has been an easy year for that. Fruit finish looks clean,” he noted.

Trends and profitability in New York apple orchards

As harvest approaches, growers continue to address strong consumer demand for premium varieties. NYAA said Honeycrisp remains the primary focus for new plantings, while growers have become more selective about investing in newer varieties.

Photo from NYAA Pinterest page. Used with permission.

"The variety landscape is being shaped by where the market is heading, and growers are responding to that intelligently. Retailers want consistency, the same high-performing varieties on the shelf year-round, and New York growers are planting and managing to meet that demand,” explained Wafler. “The era of chasing every new variety has given way to a more deliberate, profitability-focused approach."

Russell also confirmed that Honeycrisp continues to lead consumer demand, although newer premium varieties are gradually gaining acceptance.

"The public loves Honeycrisp, and we never have enough of it. But bit by bit, they're trying the new varieties and learning that they can be better even than Honeycrisp. But that takes a long time," he noted.

Resilience in the face of operational hurdles

Labor also remains a major concern for the sector. Russell said paperwork delays in the H-2A visa program pushed the arrival of his harvest crew back about ten days.

NYAA CEO Susan Chekow Lusignan agreed that state apple growers continue to face challenges in terms of labor, but that input costs, weather and climate change, transportation, and market competition are also hurdles.

NYAA CEO Susan Chekow Lusignan. Photo from NYAA LinkedIn page. | Used with permission.

“In response, growers are demonstrating their dedication and resiliency, adapting by researching and collaborating on best practices, emerging technologies, creative solutions to storing and shipping, and how to best maximize labor efficiencies,” she said.

Woes aside, Chekow reiterated that NY is well positioned to deliver strong supplies this season.

“NYAA is proud to support this year’s New York State apple crop," she said. “Our marketing plans are designed to support New York State’s 500+ growers throughout the year, and we utilize marketing approaches across all platforms to increase consumption—from local initiatives to campaigns in major markets.”

*Main photo from NYAA Pinterest page. 

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