Washington apple growers are projecting a crop roughly 10% smaller than last season in 2026, according to Washington Apple Commission president Michael Schadler. The smaller crop is expected to bring stronger prices on some varieties, which growers welcome after avoiding the oversupply conditions that hurt them in recent seasons.
But even with a tighter crop, profitability remains under pressure as production costs continue to climb. Washington is the dominant apple-growing state in the U.S., so a 10% reduction in output has real implications for retail availability and pricing heading into fall and winter.
Category managers sourcing apples for Q3 and Q4 programs should factor this into planning now. Tighter supply from Washington could open the door for increased movement from other origins, and pricing for premium varieties may firm earlier than usual.