Despite widespread alarm following 11 separate freeze events during apple bloom season, Michigan apple growers say their crops came through largely unscathed. Multiple media reports had raised the prospect of devastating losses, but the on-the-ground reality is considerably more positive for the state's growers.
This is meaningful context given the severe freeze losses reported across Pennsylvania and other Eastern states. Michigan is a major apple-producing state, and confirmation that its crop is intact provides some reassurance for buyers and category managers who had been bracing for broader domestic supply disruptions heading into fall harvest season.
With Pennsylvania losses running as high as 90%, Michigan's relative health makes it a more important origin for domestic apple supply this year than usual. Watch for increased demand pressure on Michigan apple programs as the season approaches.