Movement on British Columbia apples picked up

The supply of apples from British Columbia is winding down. "It's coming up quickly to the end, and we may wrap up in the next three to four weeks. Production moved a bit faster than we expected, so we're finishing earlier this season," says Gagan Grewal of HG Produce in Abbotsford, B.C., who notes that it has finished many of its apple varieties and has Ambrosia, Fujis, and a small bit of Red Delicious volume left to move.

This end follows a challenging start to the B.C. apple season after the closure of BC Tree Fruits Cooperative at the end of July. That left packers in the province trying to absorb fruit growers looking to distribute their fruit. "Nobody really had anywhere to go with apples. However, things opened up, and retailers are also pushing more local apples," says Grewal. "Consumers like the local apples, so there's pretty good movement right now. It has picked up in recent months."

Stronger pricing ahead?
As for pricing, it is in the same range as last year's pricing at this time. "I definitely see some strengthening happening on pricing in the next couple of weeks. Whoever has stock still available will have some better pricing," says Grewal.

Looking ahead, HG Produce and other growers and shippers are getting ready for stone fruit season in B.C., which starts with cherries, and there's an optimistic outlook for the upcoming season.

"We had a big hit last year because we didn't have that fruit because of the weather. However, cherries are already looking good," he says. "The weather has been good. Last year, we had a lot of fluctuation between cold and hot temperatures in the growing season. This year, it's been more steady temperature-wise. We'll know more next month, but right now, things are coming in nicely."

B.C. cherry season historically starts at the end of May.

For more information:
Gagan Grewal
HG Produce
Tel: +1 (604) 832-0945
gagan@hgproduceltd.com
https://hgproduceltd.com/