The Michigan apple industry sold a record number of apples in September, according to an analysis of USDA shipping reports.
The state shipped 950,367 cases of apples, according to figures received earlier this week from the USDA’s Market News Service.  The year-to-date figure was a healthy 1.1 million boxes shipped.
“September figures can vary pretty significantly, depending on how late harvest began, weather conditions during harvest and, of course, the actual crop volume,” said Denise Donohue, the executive director for the Michigan Apple Committee.  “This year, despite one of the latest blossoming periods on record, our harvest began pretty much at a normal timeframe.  Heat conditions during summer allowed our apple trees to play catch-up, yet we avoided any heat-related damage to the crop.
“In short, it was a great summer to be growing apples in Michigan,” she said.
October, which is the largest apple-shipping month, will see Michigan shipment volumes increase, Donohue said. Currently, the state is packing 11 apple varieties.
“All of our packers are working six days a week, multiple shifts or longer hours, and some have had to work a bit on Sundays to keep pace with demand,” Donohue said.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded, nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world.  MAC represents 900 family-operated commercial apple orchards.  For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.