The volume on organic apples out of Arizona is similar to last year’s crop. “We had a late spring freeze which affected a little bit of our volume,” says Alejandro Madrigal of Covilli Brand Organics Inc., noting it will have an increase in volume on the two varieties only grown and marketed out of this orchard, the last commercial organic orchard in the state: Sweetie and Sundowner apples. “We have planted more of those trees in the last few years so we do expect to have a little bit of an increase in volume on those varieties and we will as we go into the next few years,” he adds.
Sweetie and Sundowner trees were planted back in 2018 by then- owners Melissa and Lance of Briggs & Eggers Orchards in Wilcox, Arizona.
With that freeze, the season did get off to a slightly later start beginning in the third week of August rather than the start of the month. Harvest generally wraps up by the end of November and into the beginning of December.
The Arizona apple season got off to a slightly later start beginning in the third week of August rather than the start of the month.
Promotable Granny Smiths
In terms of varieties from the orchard, they include Sweetie, Ambrosia, Gala and Fuji along with Granny Smith--promotable volumes of this variety are being harvested now. Then Pink Ladys are ahead and Sundowners, which wrap up the season. Apples from this orchard, which generally are smaller apples due to the climate, aren’t stored either and are instead shipped to stores generally a week after harvest.
In turn, Arizona apples seem to have developed a following so Madrigal says demand looks steady and strong, particularly in Sprouts Farmers Market stores. Last year, Covilli formed a partnership with Sprouts to market local Arizona-grown apples in stores.
Apples from this orchard, which generally are smaller apples due to the climate, aren’t stored either and are instead shipped to stores generally a week after harvest.
Pricing looks strong as well and higher than this time last year. “We’re maybe about $2-$4 above last year which helps with the increased costs. There are increased costs on everything and it’s just more expensive to be working,” says Madrigal. “That said, in comparison to last year, pricing has been a lot steadier. There’s a lot less variation in apple pricing this year.”
For more information:
Iris Madrigal
Covilli Brand Organics Inc.
Tel: +1 (520) 377-2202
iris@covilli.com
www.covilli.com