WENATCHEE, WA - Summer is in the air, which means we’re almost just one season away from apple season! And, after a successful spring bloom, SweeTango apple growers are sharing a positive forecast for the 2018 crop.

“Weather-wise, we had a moderate winter followed by a mix of warm and cool weather in the spring,” Stemilt Growers’ Communications Manager Brianna Shales said, noting that SweeTango orchards in Washington State enjoyed a classic “snowball” bloom that has since set very well. “Volume is expected to be comparable to last season, but with an increased percentage of organic now that one of our orchards has completed the three-year transition phase to organic.”

Orchards throughout the U.S. and Canada are reporting healthy fruit sizes that are estimated to be slightly larger than the 2017 crop. And, harvest is expected to be on-time for this early season apple variety, which will kick off mid-August in the Western region and move east in the following weeks.

“We anticipate the SweeTango yield to be good this season, as the bloom was above normal, and the bees have been busy at work pollinating over the last few weeks,” Fowler Farms’ VP of Sales and Marketing David Williams said, remarking that the Eastern region experienced ideal winter and spring weather. “We are on track for normal harvest timing for big, beautiful, and flavorful SweeTango apples.”

For the Midwestern growing region, Pepin Heights Orchards’ Director of Operations Chet Miller reported, “Midwest growers’ orchards went from snowfall to snowball blossoms in about a month; it was pretty incredible to watch. Thanks to good bloom weather, the bees got their job done and we set a good crop. Hold on, SweeTango fans, we will have more apples soon!”

In Nova Scotia, Canada, the long winter was followed by a cool spring that provided great growing conditions for the bloom.

“Things are moving along nicely and we’re expecting the largest SweeTango crop we’ve ever had. The forecast is calling for above seasonal temperatures throughout the summer in our region, which will help in bringing us good size and color again this year,” said Dennis MacPherson, Director of Sales for Scotian Gold.

According to a press release, Nielsen retail scan data ranked SweeTango as the top selling club variety during peak season, September to November 2017, which makes it not only a favorite for retailers, but a variety that consumers adore thanks to its sweet flavor, lively touches of citrus, honey, and spice, and a loud crunch that is followed by a satisfying burst of juice.

Retailers are encouraged to discuss opportunities for this in-demand variety with regional sales representatives, who can be found here. And for more of the latest produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

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