Michigan Apple Crop Expected to be High Quality
Honeycrisp to be plentiful, apples will have good size and color
Lansing, Mich. – The Michigan Apple industry is expecting a high-quality crop of apples in 2026. The majority of apple-producing regions in Michigan report above-average apple crops with exceptional fruit size and color. Michigan Apple industry representatives have stated that they believe the crop is larger than the USDA estimated 25 million bushels (1.05 billion lbs.) of apples.
“We know the apple crop is above 25 million bushels this year. The quality is amazing and the size is larger, leading to more bushels,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “There were some spring weather issues and problems with return bloom this year, but they are localized. Overall, Michigan’s apple crop is looking great.”
Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather, bloom conditions and tree health. Michigan Apples are available year-round, and can be found at about 200 farm markets and cider mills in Michigan as well as more than 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S., according to Smith.
On average, Michigan growers harvest about 27.2 million bushels per year. Michigan is in the top three apple producing states, along with Washington and New York. Harvest is underway, with early varieties like Paula Red, Ginger Gold and Gala being the first on the market.
“We are hearing from growers that the Honeycrisp crop in particular is looking great. We’ll have plenty of those for consumers to enjoy,” said Smith. “Thanks to the summer weather the apples are sizing up nicely and plentiful sunshine means their color is looking good as well.”
To help consumers navigate the harvest, the Michigan Apple Committee has outlined key release dates and flavor profiles for the season’s most anticipated varieties:
- Mid-August (Early Harvesters): Kick off the season with Paula Red (zesty and tart) and Ginger Gold (sweet with a subtle tang), available starting around August 17.
- Late August (Sweet & Crisp Favorites): The popular Gala hits markets around August 24, followed closely by the juicy crunch of Honeycrisp starting August 31.
- September (Tasty Classics): Golden Delicious and McIntosh will be available around September 7, while Red Delicious, Fuji and Jonagold can be found later in September.
- October & Early November (Flavorful Newcomers): The refreshing and floral Ambrosia will be available around October 5, long-lasting EverCrisp® picked around October 26, and closing out the Michigan Apple season, the pink, crisp and juicy Cripps Pink available November 2.
A complete harvest schedule and variety guide can be found here.
Michigan’s apple industry is powered by 850 multigenerational farm families—many now in their fourth or fifth generation—dedicated to growing world-class fruit. Consumers can support local growers by visiting cider mills, farm markets, and agri-tourism destinations, or by choosing Michigan-grown apples at their local grocery store.
The Michigan Apple Committee works on behalf of Michigan apple growers through marketing, research, education, and outreach to increase consumption, support growers, and ensure a strong and sustainable apple industry. To learn more, visit MichiganApples.com.