USDA Expects More Table Grapes, Fewer Apples, Peaches, Pears

USDA is out with its latest look at fruit and tree nuts.

“USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service forecasts higher production for table grapes and cranberries in 2026, while output is expected to decline for wine-type grapes, apples, peaches, pears, and table olives,” said USDA research economist Catharine Weber.

She explained what was behind the rise in California’s table grape production.

"Harvest began roughly three weeks earlier than normal due to warmer than average temperatures,” Weber pointed out.

She said that led to earlier domestic shipments and an early end to the shipping season, resulting in lower levels of end-of-season shipment volumes in November and December.

Meanwhile cranberry production is up 5% from the previous year due to year-over-year increases in three major production states, led by top cranberry-growing state Wisconsin.

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