Just released crop estimates for the 2015 apple crop in Washington predict a decline of 10.5 percent from the record harvest in 2014. According to some industry experts, the predicted decline in the overall crop is a reflection of significant changes occurring at the orchard level.

The report released Aug. 6 estimates significant production increases in Honeycrisp and sharp declines in Red and Golden Delicious — two apples that have been icons of Northwest apple growers for more than 50 years.

The late summer crop estimate is issued each season by the Washington State Tree Fruit Association. This year’s report reveals a total crop estimate of 125.21 million cartons compared to a 140 million box crop last year, a decline of over 10 percent. The report predicts in the coming year that production of Honeycrisp will leap by 33 percent, Red Delicious will drop by 26.2 percent with Goldens declining by 24.5 percent. Gala is predicted to decline by 3.5 percent, Fuji will drop 5.8 percent with Granny Smith production unchanged.

The industry report reflects significant changes growers have made over the last few years in response to market conditions and shifting consumer demand, according to Steve Lutz, vice president of marketing at CMI.

“Market prices for apples send very clear signals to our growers on what varieties they should expand and which apple trees should be removed,” Lutz said in a press release. “The message growers heard loud and clear from the 2014 crop is that retailers and consumers want more Honeycrisp and branded apple programs.”

Lutz said that it is not uncommon to see a decline in total production in the year immediately following a bumper crop like the Washington industry experienced in 2014.

Lutz added that production trends at CMI are consistent with the statewide estimate. “Our growers are reporting they expect production declines in Reds and Goldens to be larger than the state average,” he said. “We will have significant increases in Honeycrisp, particularly from newly planted orchards with high-colored fruit, so we’re really excited to bring these apples to our customers.

“The hidden news in the 2015 crop report is that newer variety apples continue to make up for the erosion in production of the legacy varieties,” said Lutz. “CMI growers have made huge investments so that we have plenty of high-colored Honeycrisp on the way. To maximize the success of this variety, we’re introducing our new Happy Bee Honeycrisp pouch bag program, which will drive retail excitement this Fall. We’ll also have significant increases in production of our popular branded apples like Ambrosia, KIKU and Kanzi.”

Lutz said organic apple and pear production also appear to be a bright spot in the coming year. “CMI leads the organic apple and pear category with our No. 1 'Daisy Girl' brand," he said. "Our growers estimate that in the coming year our production of our Daisy Girl Organic apples and pears will jump by about 10 percent. That’s great news because organics have been the hottest growth driver in the category.”