Oct 21, 2025 - News
The meteoric rise of Minnesota's Honeycrisp apples
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Production of Honeycrisp apples has increased roughly fivefold nationally since 2011 as orchards chase consumer demand for the Minnesota-created variety.
Why it matters: Honeycrisp "changed everything," says Jim Bair, the president and CEO of USApple.
- Before its debut, spending more than 99 cents per pound of apples was unthinkable. Today, people will pay triple that, Bair said.
By the numbers: Honeycrisps are the highest-priced variety for growers and consumers.
- They average $2.16 per pound, while Galas and Red Delicious retail for under $1.40, per the USDA.
Between the lines: James Williams, a business development manager at United Apple Sales, said "you can expect volumes to continue to increase" after a drop in production last year.
What we're watching: One of the newer apple varieties with Honeycrisp parentage could be the next big thing.
- That group includes First Kiss, which was also developed here at the University of Minnesota.