Apple supply from Eastern growing states is tightening fast. Michigan is running out ahead of New York, and growers say most remaining fruit is already committed with little excess available, according to Brett Baker of United Apple Sales. Processing demand is still competing with fresh for what's left.
This comes on top of already-reported declines in Washington state storage holdings and a projected smaller Washington crop for 2026. The convergence of tightening Eastern supply and a softer West Coast crop outlook means the gap between the current season and the new harvest could be a meaningful window of supply pressure.
Retail buyers managing apple programs through July and August should be watching availability closely — promotional commitments during this gap period may be difficult to execute at expected volumes.