Apples reach peak shipment in Hirosaki, Aomori

Apple shipments have reached their peak season in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. At the Koka Hirosaki Chuo Seika wholesale market in Hirosaki, approximately 95,041 boxes (20kg each) were auctioned on November 2. The shipment included roughly 50,000 boxes of Sun Fuji, 19,000 boxes of Orin, and 18,000 boxes of Yubou Fuji.

Despite previous snow damage affecting branches, the current crop features large fruit sizes and good quality due to adequate rainfall and a lack of extreme heat. While prices have stabilized and are roughly 10% to 20% lower than the high prices seen over the last three years, market officials describe the current price trends as steady, comparable to 2022 levels.