Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/514197
32 JUNE 2015 GOOD FRUIT GROWER www.goodfruit.com E xport markets are where the growth potential lies for Washington apple sales, says Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. But, even though production of new variet- ies has been increasing, Red Delicious is likely to remain the top export variety for the foreseeable future. Last sea- son, Washington exported more than 18 million boxes of Red Delicious. It's an iconic variety. No other region of the world grows those big, red, typy apples like Washington does, and that can't be said of other varieties. When it comes to Gala, for example, there's strong competition in export markets from other regions, such as New Zealand, Chile, Italy, or France. "Reds are much easier to differentiate, so we can promote that," Fryhover said. It's the favorite variety of consumers in upcoming markets, such as India, and, importantly, it's available year round. And one of the main reasons Red Delicious accounts for more than half of Washington exported apples is its relatively low price. It's more economical to grow and pack, and it's still affordable to overseas consumers even after freight and import duties have been added. Marketing diffi culties this season put pressure on prices of Washington's mainline varieties. The season average f.o.b. price for Red Delicious dropped to under $15 a box, while some of the newer varieties have still been selling at good prices. The average price for Jazz, Pacifi c Rose, and Ambrosia has been almost $40 a box. This spring, Honeycrisp was selling at over $70 a box. Fryhover said the commission's staff have been talking to importers in export markets about Honeycrisp. "But when you start talking about $70 a box, they just look at you like, 'For one box!'" Reds still dominate EXPORTS Club varieties are too expensive when freight and duties are added. by Geraldine Warner New Varieties GERALDINE WARNER/GOOD FRUIT GROWER One of the attractions of Red Delicious in export markets is it's affordable, says Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. Marketing diffi culties this season put pressure on prices of Washington's mainline varieties. The season average f.o.b. price for Red Delicious dropped to under GERALDINE WARNER/GOOD FRUIT GROWER One of the attractions of Red Delicious in export markets is it's affordable, says Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission. 360.333.4044 Casey Schoenberger Mount Vernon, WA Dramm Corporation Manitowoc, WI • U.S.A. www.FishFertilizer.com Extremely high levels of available Calcium & Phosphorus Natural Fish Fertilizers for Organic & Sustainable Crop Production BERRIES VINEYARDS ORCHARDS Toll-Free: 877-552-4828 909-464-1373 • Fax: 909-464-1603 For your nearest dealer, contact: The Continuous TrellisLok™ provides all the advantages of the TrellisLok™ (strap), however, use the TrellisLok™ with AgLok™ and your maximum diameter is limitless! CONTINUOUS TRELLISLOK™ The BranchLok™ is used for lateral training of trellised branches and cordons to 12-14 gauge wire. Branchlok™ is available in three lengths: 2½", 3¼", 3 ¾". Patent No. 4,665,000 BRANCHLOK™ CTL and BL ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/1/14 11:21 AM Page 1