Despite the unusual and devastating weather conditions in many apple-producing states this year that resulted in a 14 percent drop nationwide, Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA, has one of the nicest apple crops ever in its 100-year history.

“Our crop survived what will come to be known as the great freeze of 2012,” John Rice, president of Rice Fruit Co., told The Produce News. “The belt of freezing air that did so much damage in April stopped about half-way up the state of Pennsylvania, in the Appalachian Mountains. Here in the fruit belt in the south-central region, we fortunately escaped the effects.”

On the national front, Mr. Rice said that it has been an extraordinary year from the onset for the eastern part of the country.

“We were a full four to five weeks ahead of our normal bloom dates,” he said. “Our peaches normally bloom in the last week of April, but were blooming in March this year. We were four weeks ahead with our apples, which was true throughout the eastern portion of the country. In March we were getting days in the mid-80 degree range. I was in Orlando, Florida, during the second week of March, and we were looking at the weather map. It was 80 degrees in Pennsylvania, and 88 degrees in Michigan. We knew then that things were setting up to be an eventful spring.”

That early bloom was considerably more susceptible to frost damage through the end of April, and indeed the normal frosts did come through the region. Growers, especially in Michigan, were using extreme measures to try to protect their crops. In most cases, the situation was hopeless because of the extreme cold temperatures.

“We’re already seeing extremely high prices on processing apples, which sets the pace for the fresh market,” said Mr. Rice. “Prices are normally seven to eight cents a pound, and contracts are being made at 20 and 22 cents for available supplies.”

Apples used for peeling and slicing are getting even higher prices — 24 to 26 cents, which is twice as high as normal. The fresh market will see price increases of 25-40 percent, said Mr. Rice.

“Washington state has a decent crop of fresh apples, which will help keep the market in check,” said Mr. Rice. “We expect our fresh apple prices to be a minimum of 25 percent higher, meaning that our growers will have a very good season.”

Rice Fruit is one of only three companies in the United States and the only one in the East that is licensed to market the Kiku apple variety, which Mr. Rice said is enjoying tremendous reception.

“We continually get letters from consumers saying they have tried the Kiku and want to know where they can buy it,” he said. “This year, for the first time, Rice Fruit will offer the Kiku in gift boxes that can be ordered directly from us. The program will start in late October and run through November and December, which is perfect timing with the holidays. They will be packed in a very attractive gift box.”

He added that the Kiku runs a very high Brix of between 16 and 18, and it is has a firm-crunchy texture.

Mr. Rice said that every year is different when it comes to producing fruits and vegetables, but this one was exceptionally extraordinary, and it will shape the market for the next 12 months.

“People who were around in 1945 say that the loss that year was historic, but this one could be just as bad or even worse,” he said. “Last year was one of our most difficult. We had twice as much rain, a hurricane and a tropical storm during harvest. This year we’re looking at one of the cleanest crops we’ve ever had.

“I’m expecting that this may be the best year in our history,” Mr. Rice continued. “It is nicely appropriate because we have been in business for 100 years this year. We’ll be celebrating our centennial next year.”

In honor of its century in business, and now in celebration of a great crop coming on, Rice Fruit Co. has also undergone a rebranding initiative this year. The new logo and signage may look modern, but it’s based on the handwriting of Mr. Rice’s grandfather, who founded the company in 1913.