Apples are ready for their year in the limelight.
As if healthy-eating resolutions weren’t going to boost early demand for the original superfood, the United Nations gave it another lift by announcing 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.
This comes as apples ended 2020 on a high note.
Refresher: After the initial shock of COVID-19 subsided, grocers doubled down on logistics to maintain their fresh produce offerings. By the end of the year, expected lower supplies for the ‘20-’21 crop had apple prices rising.
In Washington, where 69.5% of U.S. apple production occurs, weather and smaller-bearing varieties sunk volumes 8-10%.
Bottom line: 2021 looks to be another banner year for apples. Even as shoppers frequent grocery retailers less often, trends point to higher volume apple purchases as folks stockpile the shelf life-strong fruit.