With New York City being New York State’s apple producers’ largest domestic market, it is critical for the New York Apple Association to be involved with the New York Produce Show, which it has been since the first show five years ago.

Jim Allen, president of the Fishers, NY-based association, said the show presents the organization with an opportunity to meet with retailers, wholesalers and distributors. It will be exhibiting New York’s finest apples at booth No. 561 at the event.

“This has been an outstanding show from us every year since the beginning,” said Allen. “In fact, Hunts Point Terminal Market and the New York Apple Association are among the biggest supporters of the show. Of course, a huge portion of the state’s crop is moved through the companies on Hunts Point.”

The New York Apple Association co-sponsors the opening night event at the show, which Allen said is a valuable tool.

The New York apple crop was just finished harvesting when he spoke with The Produce News in late October.

“We are virtually just mopping up, so to speak,” he said. “The New York crop this year surprised us a bit. We have a larger and better crop than was first estimated, but our initial volume number was low. We’re going to exceed that easily, and we’re doubly thrilled that the quality of the apples this year is very good.”

He added that the apple market is strong and demand is steady. Other good news for the overall U.S. industry is that the nation’s crop is not feeling the pressure of the large volumes that were produced last year.

All issues combined means that New York Apple Association is heading into the New York Produce Show with positive feelings, but with a heavy heart for one specific reason: the death of John McAleavey last June. Besides being a long-time and close friend of Allen’s, McAleavey was Northeast account manager for the New York Apple Association and executive director of the Eastern Produce Council.

“A trusted dear friend, loving husband, devoted father and grandfather and a dedicated passionate employee are 15 words that hardly scratch the surface to describe John McAleavey,” said Allen. “His daughter, Susan McAleavey Sarlund, has followed in her father’s footsteps.”

McAleavey’s son, John McAleavey Jr.’s experience includes positions with Eastern Produce Council, Nabisco, T. Marzetti Co. and the New Jersey Nets. He also blogs about sports and coaches boys’ basketball.

“This is always a great show for us,” said Allen. “Of course, because it’s New York City, it is an expense for some to attend, but it’s well worth the cost and the effort. The city is so beautiful this time of year, and attendees at the show aren’t only from the Northeastern region. People come from as far south as Florida and even from offshore countries to take advantage of the show and its offerings.”