Exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

The Washington Apple Commission (WAC), headquartered in Wenatchee, Washington, is a pivotal organization established in 1937 to support and promote the marketing of Washington-grown apples internationally. As a state-mandated commodity commission, WAC operates under the supervision of the Washington State Department of Agriculture and is funded through mandatory assessments collected from apple growers. The commission's primary role is to represent over 1,260 apple growers and over 100 packing houses in the state, helping them reach export markets through strategic promotional campaigns, market development programs, and global partnerships.

Core Business and Mission

WAC’s core function is to increase the global demand for Washington apples by conducting promotional activities in over 25 countries. Its mission centers around enhancing the visibility and value of the Washington apple brand, especially in key markets such as Mexico, India, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Canada. The commission collaborates with international importers, retailers, and distributors, while also educating consumers on the quality, variety, and health benefits of Washington apples.

Product Offerings

Washington Apple Commission represents 14 commercially grown apple varieties, which are carefully cultivated in Washington’s arid climate and fertile volcanic soil, contributing to their renowned taste, texture, and shelf life. Key varieties include:

• Red Delicious
• Gala
• Fuji
• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Cripps Pink
• Golden Delicious
• Ambrosia
• Envy
• Cosmic Crisp®

These apples are grown across nearly 175,000 acres in Central Washington, producing over 100 million boxes (approximately 40 pounds each) of apples annually.

Specialization and USP

Washington apples are globally recognized for their consistent quality, safety standards, and sustainable farming practices. One of the Commission’s unique strengths is its ability to maintain high product integrity while ensuring compliance with varying international regulatory standards. The region’s controlled irrigation, long growing season, and rigorous quality inspections ensure uniformity across shipments.

WAC also provides multilingual marketing materials, point-of-sale promotions, in-store tastings, and digital campaigns to boost consumer engagement in international markets. It promotes the brand “Washington Apples” as a premium category distinct from other global producers.

Financial and Economic Impact

Though WAC does not publicly disclose its financial statements, it is funded through a grower assessment fee of $0.025 per 40 lb. box of apples. With over 100 million boxes produced annually, this results in an estimated operational fund of $2.5 million per year dedicated to export marketing efforts.

Export and Shipment Data

According to trade data platforms such as Volza and ImportYeti:

• Annual export volume: Over 30 million cartons (approximately 12 kg per carton) are shipped internationally each year.
• Top export destinations: Mexico (≈9M cartons), Canada (≈5M cartons), India (≈4M cartons), UAE (≈2M cartons), Vietnam (≈1.5M cartons).
• Major international ports: Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands), Port of Jebel Ali (UAE), Port of Mumbai (India), Port of Veracruz (Mexico).

These figures underscore Washington’s dominance as the largest apple-exporting state in the U.S., accounting for nearly 90% of all fresh apple exports from the country.

Target Market

WAC targets wholesale importers, retailers, distributors, and food service providers across North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. It focuses on both mature markets like Canada and Mexico as well as emerging markets like India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Its promotional strategies are culturally adapted, including seasonal campaigns, influencer partnerships, retail co-branding, and media outreach to boost consumer affinity and recall in regional markets.

Capabilities

• Global Representation: Regional marketing representatives in more than 15 countries
• Digital Promotions: Country-specific online campaigns and social media outreach
• Market Intelligence: Commission conducts and distributes data-backed market research to growers and partners
• Event Participation: Regular presence at international trade shows including Asia Fruit Logistica, Fruit Attraction, and PMA Fresh Summit

Certifications and Compliance

All Washington apple exports promoted by the Commission are subject to stringent U.S. food safety regulations including:

• USDA GAP (Good Agricultural Practices)
• FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) compliance
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) for packing houses
• Phytosanitary inspections per APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) standards

Washington also participates in the CanadaGAP program and other country-specific compliance certifications depending on export requirements.

Customer Testimonials

“Washington Apples have been a consumer favorite in our stores for over a decade. The quality, taste, and consistency are unmatched.”
— International Retail Buyer, Big Bazaar India

“In terms of visual appeal, crunchiness, and shelf life, Washington apples outperform local alternatives. They are now a premium staple in our fresh fruit offerings.”
— Importer, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Achievements

• 85+ years of continuous export presence since 1937
• Top U.S. fresh fruit export commodity by volume
• "Cosmic Crisp®" launch success: Over 10 million trees planted in Washington to meet rising global demand
• Recognized by U.S. Apple Association for innovation in global marketing
• Successfully opened over 25 international markets with targeted promotional funding from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service under the MAP (Market Access Program)

Washington Apple Commission remains a benchmark institution for effective agricultural marketing, global brand management, and trade facilitation in the U.S. horticulture sector.