Autumn Glory apples feel the love in winter from consumers

Supplies of the Autumn Glory apple out of the Pacific Northwest continue to grow and overall supplies are up approximately 25 percent this year.

Volumes (in Lb) of apples from Pacific Northwest, in the US Market (with Washington)

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Volumes (in Lb) of apples from Pacific Northwest, in the US Market (without Washington)

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

“We started selling Autumn Glory earlier than we ever have before as demand was high. We pick based on flavor, harvested for the autumnal flavors of cinnamon and caramel Autumn Glory is known for,” says Cat Gipe-Stewart, communications manager with Superfresh Growers, which is the exclusive grower of the apple. “Sales are up this year, but volume is up this year, too. We have plenty of promotional volume for both organic and conventional Autumn Glory.”

On sizing, the apple has been peaking on medium sizes but Gipe-Stewart says there are plenty of bag and bulk promotional volumes. Conventional volumes should go into late spring on the Autumn Glory while organic volumes to late winter/early spring.

“Experience Autumn all year”
As noted, while supplies are up so is demand for the apple. “Nationwide demand has been high, along with Canada and Mexico. Demand in Asia, specifically China and Vietnam, has continued to be strong for Autumn Glory,” says Gipe-Stewart.

Nielsen data ending 12/4 shows the apple’s volume is up 63 percent and sales are also up 46 percent year over year. “Some retailers have reported that Autumn Glory has been their top club apple this December and their #3 apple overall for December,” says Gipe-Stewart. “With its cinnamon and caramel notes, it fits great into the nostalgia of the holidays and continues throughout the year as consumers look to “experience Autumn all year.” Consumption will be strong well into late spring–as long as volume lasts.”

This strength is seen in a category that is crowded. “Many mature apples are dipping in volume and popularity, however, and even some club varieties are maturing and dipping in year-over-year performance,” says Gipe-Stewart. To help stand out from the crowd, the apples are also sold in paper Autumn Glory tote bags, an option that’s proved popular with shoppers looking for plastic-free options. “Totes also allow for bulk promotional sales, but extra branding,” she adds.

In terms of pricing, Nielsen data shows the apple is averaging $1.67/lb (last four weeks ending 12/4/21). ”The week of 11/27 it hit its highest for November, at $1.73, and then was down just a bit to $1.69/lb the week ending 12/4/21,” says Gipe-Stewart.

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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