While Florida finished its grapefruit season in late March to early April, growers in the state are reflecting on what they see as a positive season. "Demand was good this entire season," says Steven Callaham of the Dundee Citrus Growers. "It matched very well with the supply of fruit so pricing was very consistent and that helps everybody–from the grower to the retail to the customers."
Demand and supply for Florida grapefruit matched well this season says Callaham.
That means eyes are already turned to the next season in the state. "It looks good and we're very pleased with the fruit set that's taken place this spring," says Callaham. He notes that the quality seen on the trees at this stage of the fruit's development adds to the optimistic outlook. "We'll have to see how the weather goes but right now we're expecting to start sometime in September with the new crop."
Supplying regions in Florida
Dundee Citrus Growers sources grapefruit from several growing regions in Florida including the Indian River area, the Gulf, and its citrus under protective screens (CUPS) program in central Florida. "We have some younger trees in our outdoor groves coming into maturity so we'll have an uptick in volume from some of those newer plantings. Then, through our CUPS groves, those trees are coming into maturity and will be producing in commercial quantities this year," says Callaham.
A look at the CUPS program.
This bodes well in the state's continued efforts to regain strength as a grapefruit-growing state following its struggles with HLB greening disease. "We have a viable plan where you're going to see an increase in supply of consistent, high-quality grapefruit for years to come. We're very optimistic about this and confident in our supply," says Callaham.
For more information:
Steven Callaham
Dundee Citrus Growers
Tel: +1 (863) 439-1574
[email protected]
http://dun-d.com/